May 9, 2008

AUSTIN, Texas - The Pepperdine women's golf team is looking to make its ninth appearance at the NCAA Championships in 10 years, but the Waves will need to rally as they are in a tie for 13th place after Thursday's first round at the NCAA Central Regional.

The top eight teams will advance to the NCAA Championships, but after shooting a 304 on Thursday, the sixth-seeded Waves are five strokes out of eighth place. The second round will be held on Friday at the par-72 University of Texas Golf Club, and the third and final round is on Saturday.

Senior Leanne Bowditch (Peregian, Australia), who is coming off co-medalist honors at the West Coast Conference Championships, had an excellent day with an even-par 72. She leads the Waves as she is in a tie for 14th place. Bowditch recorded four birdies, including three over her final eight holes.

Junior Jayvie Agojo (Bangkal, Philippines) is in a tie for 39th after a 75, freshman Taylore Karle (Scottsdale, Ariz.) is tied for 47th after a 76, freshman Martine de Gannes (Diego Martin, Trinidad) is tied for 87th after an 81 and senior Stephanie Gelleni (Caracas, Venezuela) is tied for 102nd after an 86.

Team Scores: 1. UCLA 283; 2. TCU 285; 3. Purdue 288; 4. Denver 292; 5. Nebraska 294; 6. Texas A&M 295; 7. Florida State 298; 8. Texas 299; T9. LSU 300; T9. North Carolina State 300; 11. Texas State 301; 12. Notre Dame 302; T13. Alabama 304; T13. Pepperdine 304; 15. Kent State 305; T16. East Tennessee State 307; T16. Texas Tech 307; 18. Washington 312; 19. Illinois State 313; 20. Harvard 314; 21. Fairleigh Dickinson 354.

Top Individuals: 1. Maria Jose Uribe (UCLA) 65; 2. Maria Hernandez (Purdue) 66; 3. Valentine Derrey (TCU) 67; 4. Lauren Doughtie (North Carolina State) 69; T5. five players tied at 70.

Pepperdine Individuals: T14. Leanne Bowditch 72; T39. Jayvie Agojo 75; T47. Taylore Karle 76; T87. Martine de Gannes 81; T102. Stephanie Gelleni 86.