HUDSON, WISC. – The USF Women's Golf team took on its first round of the season today and put on a show en route to a 1^st place spot after 18 holes.
 
The Cougars expected to lean on Preseason Golfer of the Year Maggie Veenendall coming into the season but it was a freshman and sophomore combo that shined. Freshman Sophie Karsnia and Sophomore Tanna Phares tied each other for 2^nd place at 5-over par and headlined the Cougars day. The Cougars saw great performances from Maggie Veenendall and Avery Nelson as well with them tieing for 6^th. As a team the Cougars jumped out to a sizable lead in round 1 and will open day two 9 strokes ahead of 2^nd place.
 
Team Standings
1^st – USF – 308, +24
2^nd – Winona State – 317, +33
3^rd – Wayne State – 325, +41
 
USF individual stats
Sophia Karsnia: t2nd, +5, 76, 2 birdies & 10 pars
Tanna Phares: t2nd, +5, 76, 1 birdies & 13 pars
Maggie Veenendall: t6th, +7, 78, 1 birdie & 10 pars
Avery Nelson: t6th, +7, 78, 1 birdie & 9 pars
Abbie Ritzer: t14th, +10, 81, 1 birdie & 8 pars
Bryn Huber: t21st, +11, 82, 8 pars
 
Round 2 will tee off tomorrow morning.