Ball State University Athletics
McDougall Holds First-Round Lead at Cardinal Classic
September 22, 2014 | Women's Golf
YORKTOWN, Ind. -- Ball State women's golfer Meghan McDougall was the only player in red figures Monday with a 3-under par 69 to take the first-round lead at the Cardinal Classic.
Ball State is tied for sixth place as a team after posting a score of 311 (+23) at The Players Club. Eastern Michigan (+10) is leading the way, followed by Western Michigan (+14) and Ohio (+17).
“Meghan's round today is the type of round that doesn't happen very often,” Ball State coach Katherine Mowat said. “To be 5 under par with two holes to go is exceptional. She finished with the best round of the day in a deep field, and it is wonderful to see her playing with confidence.
“Today proved that we have a deep team comprised of many golfers who can go low. We have work to do tomorrow, and I look forward to fighting back and defending our home course.”
McDougall, one of four Ball State players competing separate from the Cardinals' lineup, posted the lowest score of the day by three strokes. The junior from Markham, Ontario, made five birdies and one double bogey on the way to the best round of her collegiate career.
Kelsey Sear matched her career low with an even-par round of 72 to lead the Ball State lineup. She is part of a five-way tie for second place behind McDougall.
“After Kelsey shot even-par last week, she proved to herself that she is capable of great play,” Mowat said. “She is striking the ball very well and played with confidence today. She is extremely talented and has a bright future ahead of her.”
The Cardinals also counted a 78 from Jenna Hague, an 80 from Mary Ellen Romero and an 81 from Allison Lindley in the opening round on a day that started with temperatures in the 40s and warmed up as the round progressed.
Hague is tied for 26th, while Romero is tied for 43rd and Lindley tied for 49th. Kayla Adamson rounded out the Ball State lineup with an 85.
Morgan Nadaline and Karley Dobis, competing as individuals, tied for the third-best score of the day among the Cardinals in the field with a pair of 77s. They are tied for 18th. Brenna Obergfell, also competing as an individual, shot an 83.
The 36-hole tournament concludes with the final round Tuesday. A shotgun start is scheduled again for 9 a.m., and live scoring is available at birdiefire.com.
