OCTOBER 23, 2011

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Drake women's golf team shot an opening-round 331 to sit tied for 12th after 18 holes at the Florida International Pat Bradley Invitational on Sunday (Oct. 23) at the par-72, 6,239-yard Pelican Preserve and Country Club's Egret to Ibis course.

"Hadley (Jennings) had her struggles today, but finished with a good result hitting the ball very well," Drake head coach Leanne Smith commented.  "Chelsey (Falk) also struck the ball well but just wasn't able to convert."

"With only four golfers playing, we need a total-team effort if we hope to improve our standing over the final two rounds.  I'm optimistic, but everybody needs to score well."

Sophomore Hadley Jennings (Trenton, Mo.) posted the Bulldogs' best finish shooting a 77 to sit tied for 20th.

Rounding out the Bulldogs' top four were junior Chelsey Falk (Glenwood, Minn.) and seniors Christy Wittmer (Hampton, Iowa) and Paige Menze (Oxbow, N.D.), who turned in 18-hole totals of 80 (80/T-54th), 85 (85/T-66th) and 89 (89/T-77th), respectively.

Freshman Kimmy Askelson (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) made the trip for Drake, but was unavailable to go due to injury.  Smith is optimistic Askelson might be able to play in the tournament's final round on Tuesday (Oct. 25).

The Bulldogs continue action at the FIU Pat Bradley Invitational with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. CT on Monday (Oct. 24).

FIU Pat Bradley Invitational

Pelican Preserve & Country Club Egret to Ibis Course - Fort Meyers, Fla.

October 23, 2011 (18 holes)

1) Boston College 300

2) North Texas 301

3) Eastern Michigan 302

4) Florida International 303

5) Stetson 305

6) Bradley 311

Florida Gulf Coast 311

8) Cincinnati 313

9) Southern Mississippi 315

10) Delaware 317

11) Daytona State College 328

12) Drake 331

Florida Atlantic 331

14) Western Illinois 332

15) Bethune-Cookman 335