Women’s Golf in 2nd After First Round of NGI Championship

MARICOPA, Ariz. – Rutgers women’s golf wrapped up play on day one of the National Golf Invitational Championship on Friday afternoon in Arizona, sitting in second place as a team and trailing leaders UNC Wilmington by just one stroke. 

Leigha Devine and Emily James both had strong days, shooting 1-under 71s to tie for fourth.  

 

Round 1 – Friday, May 10

Weather: Sunny, Temps in mid-80s, 5-10 mph winds

Leigha Devine started strong on Friday, picking up a pair of birdies on the front nine to go out 2-under par. She finished with four birdies in her round to shoot a 1-under 71 and is two strokes off the lead. 

Emily James had the best round of her young career, shooting a career-low, 1-under 71 to join Devine in a tie for fourth. 

“My ball striking was solid today and I felt really confident with my putting inside of 10 feet,” James said. “The greens are rolling well and you can make a lot of putts if you start the ball on the right line. We’re excited for the chance to improve our play tomorrow in round two.”

Lorena and Lucrezia Rossettin each shot a 2-over 74 in their opening rounds to wrap up the first day in a tie for 15th place. They each carded four birdies to highlight their day on the course. 

Rikke Nordvik rounded out the individual play, shooting a 6-over 78 and is in a tie for 32nd. 

 

2024 National Golf Invitational Championship

May 9-12
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club (Maricopa, Ariz.)
Par 72 | 6,295 Yards
Format: 5 count 4 with substitutions
Field: Rutgers, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Chattanooga, Florida Atlantic, Jacksonville State, Mercer, Santa Clara, UNC Wilmington, USC Upstate

Rutgers University Women’s Golf /// Piscataway, N.J.  

 

-RU-