K-State Holds First-Round Lead at White Sands Invitational
Oct 27, 2023 | Women's Golf
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas – The Kansas State women's golf team raced out of the gate and holds a seven-shot lead following the first round of the White Sands Invitational on Friday at the par-72, 6,415-yard Ocean Club Golf Course.
The Wildcats fired a 5-over par 293 over the first 18 holes, creating distance ahead of second-place North Florida, which is at 12-over par 300. Kansas State is led by senior Haley Vargas, who turned in a 2-under par 70 – one of two under-par rounds on the day – to sit in a tie for first place on the individual leaderboard. A native of Lubbock, Texas, Vargas recorded seven birdies on Friday, including five on the front nine.
K-State also received a solid score from freshman Alenka Navarro at even-par 72 as she balanced two bogeys with two birdies. The Mexico City product enters Saturday's second round in a tie for third place.
"The team really competed and fought hard today," head coach Stew Burke said. "It was a constant battle with the wind, and our mental game really helped us stay committed to the plan and execute well. Haley and Alenka produced great rounds that helped get us in position. Tomorrow is a new day, and building some momentum going into the final round will be important."
Another freshman, Julia Ballester Barrio, is in the top 15 following a 3-over par 75 as she is tied for 11th place. Her day was highlighted by an eagle-3 on the par-5 sixth hole.
One stroke behind Ballester Barrio is sophomore Noa van Beek in a tie for 16th place at 4-over par 76. Junior Remington Isaac will start the second round in a tie for 55th place at 12-over par 84.
The second round of the White Sands Invitational will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. (ET) on Saturday with the Wildcats paired with North Florida and Grand Canyon, which is in third place at 14-over par 302. Live results can be followed at www.Golfstat.com.
The Wildcats fired a 5-over par 293 over the first 18 holes, creating distance ahead of second-place North Florida, which is at 12-over par 300. Kansas State is led by senior Haley Vargas, who turned in a 2-under par 70 – one of two under-par rounds on the day – to sit in a tie for first place on the individual leaderboard. A native of Lubbock, Texas, Vargas recorded seven birdies on Friday, including five on the front nine.
K-State also received a solid score from freshman Alenka Navarro at even-par 72 as she balanced two bogeys with two birdies. The Mexico City product enters Saturday's second round in a tie for third place.
"The team really competed and fought hard today," head coach Stew Burke said. "It was a constant battle with the wind, and our mental game really helped us stay committed to the plan and execute well. Haley and Alenka produced great rounds that helped get us in position. Tomorrow is a new day, and building some momentum going into the final round will be important."
Another freshman, Julia Ballester Barrio, is in the top 15 following a 3-over par 75 as she is tied for 11th place. Her day was highlighted by an eagle-3 on the par-5 sixth hole.
One stroke behind Ballester Barrio is sophomore Noa van Beek in a tie for 16th place at 4-over par 76. Junior Remington Isaac will start the second round in a tie for 55th place at 12-over par 84.
The second round of the White Sands Invitational will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. (ET) on Saturday with the Wildcats paired with North Florida and Grand Canyon, which is in third place at 14-over par 302. Live results can be followed at www.Golfstat.com.
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