CHULA VISTA -- The BYU women's golf team was slowed by rain during first round of the Lady Aztec Invitational on Monday.
The rain caused the first round to last over five and a half hours. The second round couldn't be completed before nightfall and play was suspended due to darkness. Only one group didn't finish and so official results won't be posted until they finish.
The Cougars finished the first round in eighth place by carding a 17-over 305. The Cougars are just seven strokes behind second place Boise State, and another seven behind tournament-leader Baylor, which shot a 3-over.
"We've just got to keep refining our game," BYU Coach Sue Nyhus said. "That's the point we're at. They can all hit it. We just need to refine."
Sophomore Rachel Newren tallied an impressive 33 on the front nine and finished the day with a 71 to tie for third place. She is only one stroke back of co-leaders Brooke Mangan of UAB and Sian Reddick of Baylor. Newren's four birdies helped her to remain close to the lead.
A trio of Cougars shot a 6-over 78 on the par 72, 6,262 yard Auld Course to tie for 37th place. Senior Natalie Newren, sophomore Alexis Edwards and freshman Juli Wightman all battled through the rain to card 78s.
Danielle von Arnim returned to action and stroked an 81 to finish the round tied for 68th.
Freshman Ashley Childers competed as an individual and carded a first-round 85.
The forecast for Tuesday calls for more rain. Nyhus said the team was bundled up in rain gear and turtlenecks all day Monday and expects more of the same despite being in the usually sunny San Diego.
Play resumes tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. PT.
Fin. Team Scores
1. Baylor 291 (+3)
2. Boise State 298 (+10)
2. San Francisco 298 (+10)
2. Northern Arizona 298 (+10)
5. Long Beach State 300 (+12)
6. San Diego State 304 (+16)
6. UAB 304 (+16)
8. Brigham Young 305 (+17)
9. Portland State 307 (+19)
10. Nevada 313 (+25)
10. Fresno State 313 (+25)
12. Illinois 315 (+27)
13. Idaho 320 (+32)
14. Wyoming 322 (+34)
15. CS Northridge 324 (+36)
BYU Individual Results
Fin. Golfer Score
T3 Rachel Newren 33- 38 71
T37 Natalie Newren 37- 41 78
T37 Alexis Edwards 36- 42 78
T37 Juli Wightman 39- 39 78
T63 Danielle von Arnim 38- 43 81
?? Ashley Childers 85