May 5, 2008

Results

PHOENIX, AZ - With just 10 strokes separating all six teams, Western Washington University is in fourth place following first-day play Monday at the NCAA Division II Women's Golf West Regional being played at The Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix, Ari. (host Grand Canyon University).

The third-seeded Vikings shot a first-round 319, led by Breanna Carmichael (So., Tacoma/Bellarmine Prep), who is tied for second in medalist play after shooting a 3-over par 75.

No.2 seed St. Edward's TX holds a three-stroke lead at 312 over No.4 seed Northeastern State OK (315) with No.1 seed and defending champion Tarleton State TX third at 318.

No.6 seed Saint Martin's is fifth (320), one shot behind Western, and No.5 seed Western New Mexico is sixth (322).

The 54-hole event, which lasts through Wednesday, is one of four regionals being held across the country. The top two teams in each region earn automatic berths to the national tournament on May 13-16 at the Memorial Golf Course in Houston, Texas.

The Vikings' Catherine Kim (Sr., Bellevue/Skyline), who is making her fourth regional appearance, is tied for 14th (79) individually. Lianne Matkin (So., Spokane/Northwest Christian) is tied for 18th (82), Kaitlin Parker (Jr., Burlington/Marysville-Pilchuck) is tied for 20th (83) and Allison Gillette (Sr., Seattle/Ballard) is tied for 29th (86).

"It's anybody's tournament, even to win it," said Western coach Bo Stephan. "Breanna (Carmichael) played great and Catherine (Kim) had a really good back nine."

It is the sixth straight regional appearance for Western, which tied for the regional title in 2005 and finished second in 2004 and 2006.