NSU Athletics
Don Vieth, Director of Athletics Communications
TAHLEQUAH – A pair of top-10 rounds in the opening day of the Central Region Fall Preview gave the RiverHawks a one-stroke lead with a 302 on Monday at the Prairie Highlands Golf Club.
NSU freshman Aitana Hernandez made her debut with a team low 74, which put the Alicante, Spain native tied for sixth place. Sitting behind by one stroke is Collinsville native Nina Lee who is tied for eighth in her first official collegiate round. The pair finished the day with five birdies and 23 par scores.
The RiverHawks hold a slim one-stroke advantage over Arkansas Tech and Central Missouri, with Central Oklahoma in fourth carding a 306.
Lexi Armon shot a 76 that landed her tied for 13th overall and Kelsey Lumpkin was a shot behind, tied for 20th place. Ebba Moberg finished the day with an 80 and is tied for 39th.
“Proud of our freshmen to say the least,” said head coach Scott Varner. “It is just one round, but it gives us reason for great excitement and expectations this year. Our freshmen were fearless today in their first rounds of college golf on a big stage and a strong field.”
“Lexi and Kelsey showed some senior toughness after rough starts and finishing strong when we needed them.”
Arkansas Tech’s Peerada Piddon is the overall medalist leader with the lone under-par scored carding a 71.
Northeastern State will tee-off for Tuesday’s final round at 8:30 a.m. for a shotgun start.