Sept. 27, 2004

FRESNO, Calif. - The Santa Clara University women's golf program opened the fall season today, and is currently in third place after the first round of action at the Sacramento State Invitational, hosted by the Hornets at Riverside Golf Club in Fresno.

Santa Clara carded a 21-over-par 313 in today's action on the par-73, 5,900-yard course. Fresno State leads the three-team field with a 309, and Sacramento State is only two strokes back at 311.

"Everybody's still in a position to win this tournament tomorrow, so we're going to settle in a bit and do our best to win," head coach Polly Schulze said. "I think we came out a little tight because it is our first competition of the season, but we're ready to make a run for it on Tuesday."

Santa Clara won this event last season with a two-day total of 620. Senior Courtney Dimpel-Composti claimed medalist honors in the leading the Broncos to the team victory. She led the team today with a 76 to position her fourth, while teammate Samantha Trask was one stroke back, carding a 77 and sitting tied for sixth. Freshman Corey Utsurogi posted a 79, and fellow newcomer Jenny Nelson added a 90. Junior Candice Palmer recorded an 81.

The Broncos will play the second and final round of the Invitational on Tuesday. Tee times begin at 8 a.m.