Nov. 10, 2003

LAS VEGAS, Nev.

Head Coach Judi Pavon's golf squad opened up the 2003 Las Vegas Founders Women's Collegiate Showdown with a third-place eight-over 296 effort to finish the round nine strokes off the lead. New Mexico jumped out to an early first-round lead with an ever-par 288 on the day, while Colorado State's Trisha Quick fired a four-under 68 to pace the field.

As for Tennessee, junior Teesha Ash (Chattanooga, Tenn.) led the Big Orange with a one-over 73 that tied for eighth place, while sophomore Violeta Retamoza (Aguascalientes, Mexico) and team captain Jessica Shepley (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) fired a pair of two-over 74s for a 12th-place tie. Seniors Mary Jan Fernandez (Henderson, Nev.) and Tai Perry (Unionville, Pa.) rounded out UT scoring with a pair of three-over 75s to finish in a 20th-place tie. As an individual, freshman Holly Cantwell (Morristown, Tenn.) continued her recent successful play with a one-over 73 to tie for eighth place.

Tennessee will be paired up with New Mexico and Oklahoma as it continues the tournament Tuesday before closing out the event, and the fall season, with a shotgun start on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. PT.

Las Vegas Founders Women's Collegiate Showdown
At Anthem Country Club (Las Vegas, Nev.)