• Round 1 Results (.pdf)

MESA, Ariz. (May 12) – Sophomore Dianne Luke (Mirisarawak, Malaysia/Saint Columba) and freshman Karina Palmberg (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Objetivo) both shot a seven-over 78 on Wednesday, as the Vulcans finished the first round of the NCAA Division II National Championships at the Longbow Golf Club in a three-way tie for sixth place.

Playing as a team in the National Championships for the first time in program history, the California University of Pennsylvania women's golf team is tied with Florida Southern and Indianapolis at 33-over 317. However, only six strokes separate the third-place team from the group in sixth place. Defending-National Champion Nova Southeastern (Fla.) is the clubhouse leader by eight strokes at 14-over 298, while Rollins (Fla.) maintains a five-stroke lead for second place at 22-over 306.

After competing as an individual at last year's National Championships, Luke opened the tournament in a nine-way tie for 18th overall at seven-over 78 (40-38). She shot par on five of the first nine holes to make the turn with a five-over 40 before collecting a birdie on the par-three 11th. The sophomore then double-bogeyed the next hole before shooting a one-over on the next six holes to close her round.

Palmberg joins Luke in a tie at seven-over 78 (40-38) after being one of only two golfers to card an eagle on the par-71, 6,159-yard course. The freshman from Brazil stood at five-over 40 after the first nine holes and bogeyed four of the first five holes on the back nine. She then collected an eagle on the par-five, 495-yard 15th before paring the final three holes on Wednesday.

Junior Jenna Rothermel (Danville, Pa./Danville) finished the round one-stroke back of teammates Luke and Palmberg after shooting an eight-over 79 (37-42). She birdied the par-five 1st and collected five pars on the front nine before shooting a triple bogey and double bogey after the turn to finish tied for 27th overall in a field of 73 golfers.

Freshman Maria Lopez (Bogota, Colombia/English School) shot an 11-over 82 (40-42) in the first round after collecting a birdie on the par-four 9th and finishing with a par on nine holes. Classmate Lorena Aranda (Trujillo, Peru/San Jose Obrero Marianistats) totaled a 14-over 85 (41-44) and is tied for 60th overall following bogeys on five-straight holes on the back nine.

The Vulcans continue play at the National Championships in Mesa, Ariz., tomorrow, Thursday, May 13, starting at 10:30 a.m. EST (7:30 a.m. PST).