Opening Statement – Stanford University Athletics

FAIRFAX, Calif. – No. 1 Stanford began its quest for a fourth tournament title, emerging with a two-stroke lead over No. 11 USC on the opening day of the Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational.

Navigating two rain delays, the second of which suspended play midway through the second round, the Cardinal leads the field at 8-under, in front of No. 11 USC (-6) and No. 5 San Jose State (-1).

Rose Zhang, one win shy of matching Andrea Lee’s school record of nine career victories, enters the final day of competition at 6-under, trailing Texas Tech’s Shannon Tan (7-under). Zhang, who has won four times in five events this season, has produced eight wins, 12 top-two finishes, 13 top-five marks and 14 top-10s in 15 career events on The Farm.

The Cardinal showcased its depth with three other players included among the top-12. Sadie Englemann checked in at 1-under and is tied for seventh. Megha Ganne and Kelly Xu are both even and in a four-way tie for 11th.

Seeking its fourth tournament title this season, the Cardinal is coming off a runner-up finish at the Therese Hession Regional Challenge three weeks ago. Stanford has already secured tournament victories at the Carmel Cup, Stanford Intercollegiate and Pac-12 Preview.

Play resumes Tuesday at 8 a.m.

 

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Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational (Meadow Club, par 72)

 

Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational (Meadow Club, par 72)