Feb. 26, 2008

TUCSON, Ariz - The UNLV women's golf team continued its opener to the spring season on Tuesday at the Wildcat Invitational, as the Rebels have a team score of 639 (325-314, +71) after two rounds of play at Arizona National Golf Club (par 71, 6,166 yards).

Overall the Rebels are in 16th place while Oklahoma State has the 36-hole lead with a team score of 586 (288-298, +18). The Cowgirls have a four-stroke lead over Duke (590, +22), while Arizona and USC are tied for third at 28-over par. Amanda Blumenhurst of Duke has the individual lead with a two-round total of 140 (-2)

Pacing the Rebels is Alejandra Guacaneme, who is tied for 45th with a score of 155 (73-82, +13). Other UNLV scores and places include: Therese Koelbaek (83-73--176, T52nd), Kasi Lee (86-77--163, 76th), Tonya Choate (86-82--168, T80th) and Melissa Mabanta (83-87--170, T85th). UNLV junior Nicole McGirr (162, +20) is playing as an individual and is tied for 72nd.

The Wildcat Invitational features one of the top fields of any event in the country with no less than seven of 16 teams ranked in Golfweek's latest rankings, including teams No. 1-4 in the country in UCLA, Duke, Arizona State and USC. Other top-10 teams include No. 7 Auburn, No. 8 Arizona and No. 9 Cal. In all, 12 teams are currently ranked in the top 25.

The tournament will conclude on Wednesday with 18 holes.