Feb. 8, 2010

The Arizona State University women's golf team got off to rough start at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge. The No. 1 Sun Devils, won the tournament last season, carded a 16-over 300 to finish the first round tied for seventh. They are currently 16 shots out of leader USC.

"Everyone has their bad days and unfortunately, most of the team had their bad day on the same day," said eighth year head coach Melissa Luellen. "Luckily, that hardly ever happens to us."

Giulia Molinaro, who entered the tournament as the team's No. 5 player, was the Sun Devil leader for the day. Molinaro shot a 2-over 73 to close out the first round tied for 12th. Jennifer Johnson, who has yet to finish a tournament out of the top 10 this season, carded a 4-over 75 to finish the round tied for 28th.

"Giulia did her job, she played great," said Luellen on the sophomore. "Jen played well, she just missed a few putts."

Defending Northrop Grumman Champion Juliana Murcia and junior Jaclyn Sweeney finished the round shooting a 5-over 76. All-American Carlota Ciganda carded a 7-over 78 on the first day.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us tomorrow but we left the practice area feeling very positive," said Luellen. "It is supposed to rain tomorrow, so we are just hoping to get three rounds in."

Due to high chances of rain, the tournament will have a shotgun start tomorrow.