The Colorado women’s golf team is currently in ninth place after the first 27 holes of the Collegiate Invitational at Guadalajara Country Club, marking the start of their spring season. The team posted a combined score of 16-over par, with a 10-over in the opening round and an additional 6-over through the front nine of the second round.
Teams are returning to competition after a break since late October or early November, and many faced challenges on the par-72, 6,210-yard course. Oklahoma State leads after 27 holes at 1-over par, ahead of Tulsa, Virginia, and Florida State who are tied for second at six strokes behind.
“There’s definitely some first-round jitters when you haven’t competed in a long time, it’s just something you have to contend with,” Colorado head coach Madeleine Sheils said. “We’re happy the first day is over and I really think we’re settled in and going to be feeling more comfortable tomorrow.”
Sophomore Ellen O’Shaughnessy stands out for Colorado so far. She is sixth individually at 2-under after shooting a first-round 70—her fourth under-par round this year—and remaining even through nine holes in round two. O’Shaughnessy started strong with birdies on key holes but also faced bogeys before finishing her round well.
“Ellen’s round was such a bright spot,” Sheils said. “She actually didn’t feel like she had her best ball striking (day) and that pretty much forced her into playing more conservative golf, aiming for the middle of the greens and two-putting from there. She relied on her sharp short game and that served her really well.”
Other Colorado players include junior Carolyn Fuller (tied for 30th at +5), junior Maya McVey (tied for 41st at +7), Brenna Higgins (tied for 45th at +8), and Vanessa Ngo (also tied for 45th at +8). Washington’s Carmen Lim leads all individuals at eight under par.
Colorado will continue play grouped with Washington and TCU as they finish their second round Saturday morning before immediately starting the final round.
