COLUMBUS, Ohio — Vanderbilt struggled Monday on the first day of the Columbus Regional, yet the Commodores are just six strokes back of sixth place going into Tuesday’s second round.
The top six teams in the 18-team field after Wednesday’s final round advance to the NCAA Championships.
Vandy finished 9-over-par (297) at the Scarlet Course at Ohio State University and is tied for ninth overall. Oklahoma leads all teams at 2-under-par through 18 holes.
“Today wasn’t the start we were looking for but it’s where we find ourselves,” Vanderbilt coach Greg Allen said. “Nobody is sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves. Nobody is looking for the panic button. We are remaining calm. We know we have work to do and we know what needs to be done.”
Individually, Celina Sattelkau and Louise Yu battled to remain even par after one round. Both are tied for 15th going into their second 18.
Tess Davenport was 1-under-par through nine holes but had three bogeys and a double bogey down the stretch to finish 3-over-par – she’s tied for 40th overall. Auston Kim was 6-over-par (tied for 70th) and Morgan Baxendale was 8-over-par (tied for 84th).
“This course puts a premium on hitting fairways and unfortunately we missed several and had to deal with the thick rough,” Allen said. “This team has learned how to battle this year and I’m confident they will do that all the way to the finish line Wednesday.”
Michigan’s Hailey Borja holds the individual lead after the first day with a 3-under-par 69.
Vanderbilt, which will insert Jayna Choi into the lineup, is scheduled to tee off at 7 a.m. CT Tuesday. Live scoring for the event can be found HERE.
