SAN JOSE, Calif. - Gonzaga University finds itself in a respectable seventh place and Alice Kim is tied for eighth following the opening-day 36-holes of the Julie Inkster Invitational women's golf tournament at Almaden Golf & Country Club Monday.
The Bulldogs shot 306-312 for 618, one shot ahead of Colorado State University and 14 in back of host San Jose State University. The University of California shot 583 for a 5-stroke lead over UC Davis heading into Tuesday's final round.
Kim had rounds of even-par 72 and 3-over 75 over the 6,169-yard, par 72 layout for a 36-hole score of 147 and a four-way tie for eighth, one stroke out of seventh and seven strokes behind leader Daniela Holmqvist of California. Holmqvist holds a 1-shot lead over teammate Joanne Lee.
Victoria Fallgren rebounded from an opening-round 83 to shoot a 1-over 73 in the afternoon round for a 156 and a tie for 29th. Tai Jade 'TJ' Kliebphipat had an opening-round 76 and Han Wu an opening-round 78, but both players shot 85 in the afternoon. Genavive 'Genna' Dodge had rounds of 80-79.
"We had some good rounds, but never had a total team round that was good," head coach Brad Rickel said. "We need four good scores tomorrow."
Rickel said Kim was the most consistent Bulldog.
"Alice was solid the entire day," Rickel said of his freshman.
With four Top 25 teams in the field, Rickel said "tomorrow has to be our best round of the tournament for us to have a good finish."
The final round Tuesday is an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.
