March 9, 2012
Senior Marina Alex shot a two-under par, 70, in the first round of the LSU Golf Classic and leads all individuals heading into the second day of play on Saturday. Alex and her Commodore teammates are in fourth place with a team total of 302.
The Wayne, N.J., native had two bogeys, four birdies, and 12 pars in her way around The University Club, which was set up as a par 72, 6,305-yard layout. Alex has one individual victory in her career, and that came as a sophomore at the 2010 SEC Championship in Tuscaloosa.
Alex has a one stroke lead over LSU’s Madelene Sagstrom, and a two-stroke lead over a group of four golfers, including teammate Lauren Stratton, who sit at even par.
“I didn’t hit it that bad on the front had some good birdie looks and had good feelings even though I made the bogeys on the front nine,” said Alex. “I just wanted to get back to even par for my round after the bogeys, but on the backside, I gave myself a lot of good looks for birdie, and I got a few of them to fall.”
As a team, Vanderbilt counted Stratton’s even-par 72, a six-over 78 from Kendall Martindale, and a ten-over par 82 from Anna Leigh Keith. Rene Sobolewski fired an 84, and Irina Gabasa, who competed as an individual, posted a five-over par, 77.
Host LSU leads the tournament with a seven-over par, 295. The Tigers have a three-stroke lead over Tennessee, who is in second place heading into the second day of play on Saturday.
“We got solid rounds from Stratty and Marina today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Greg Allen. “Marina had four birdies on the back, and really was striking the ball well. “Unfortunately, only two got it going today, but we’re only seven back, so that’s very fortunate.”
4. Vanderbilt – 302
1. Marina Alex – 70
T3. Lauren Stratton – 72
*T27. Irina Gabasa – 77
T35. Kendall Martindale – 78
T61. Anna Leigh Keith – 72
T67. Rene Sobolewski – 84
* Played as an individual
