GOODYEAR, Ariz. (April 9, 2023) – The Northern Arizona University golf team kicked off action at the Bobcat Desert Classic today in Goodyear, Ariz., at the Golf Club of Estrella (par-72, 6,279 yards). The Lumberjacks played one round of 18 holes and finished with a 297 (+9) on the day to place third out of 11 teams.
Northern Arizona is one of eight Big Sky Conference schools competing in what is the final regular season tournament before next week's championships. The 'Jacks are in second out of the league schools, just two strokes behind Idaho who is in second place. Heading into the second round tomorrow, NAU is eight strokes behind first place Grand Canyon.
True freshman
Ellena Slater leads NAU after shooting a 69 (-3) today to place second. Slater earned four birdies on the front nine and shot even-par on the back for her eighth career round at par or better and her third round in the 60's.
Following Slater is
Aleksandra Chekalina who shot even par today with a 72 to place fifth. Chekalina garnered two birdies for her fifth round this season at par or better.
Lizzie Neale is tied for 20th after shooting a 76 (+4). Neale birdied two holes, including the 17
th.
Lorel Hayward, who is competing as an individual, is also tied for 20th. She shot a 76 (+4) and had two birdies.
Rounding out the lineup is
Nina Lukyanenko and
Ashley Croft. Lukyanenko is tied for 42nd after shooting an 80 (+8) and Croft is right behind her with an 81 (+9) to tie for 45
th.
The Bobcat Desert Classic continues tomorrow at 10 a.m. for the second round. Action will conclude on Tuesday morning with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. for the third and final round of 18 holes. Live scoring is available on Golfstat.
Individual Results
2.
Ellena Slater (69, -3)
5.
Aleksandra Chekalina (72, E)
T20.
Lizzie Neale (76, +4)
*T20.
Lorel Hayward (76, +4)
T42.
Nina Lukyanenko (80, +8)
T45.
Ashley Croft (81, +9)
