Duan Leads Huskers at NCAA Regional

Columbus, Ohio – Alice Duan shot an opening-round 75 to lead the Nebraska women’s golf team on the first day of the NCAA Columbus Regional on Monday.

Duan’s three-over-par round positioned her in a tie for 40th individually after the first 18 holes. The performance by the graduate transfer from Reno, Nev., came on the 6,358-yard, par-72 layout of the Scarlet Course the day after saturating rains prevented the 18 teams in the regional from taking the course for a practice round. The first round was delayed by two hours while the staff took extra care in making the course tournament ready.

Megan Whittaker (Elkhorn, Neb.) produced Nebraska’s second-best round of the day with a four-over-par 76. Whittaker got off to a scorching start after birdies on No. 3 and 4 and sat at two-under through six holes. She heads to the second round tied for 53rd.

Kate Smith and Michaela Vavrova completed Nebraska’s team score with matching rounds of 78. Smith, the reigning Big Ten champion, struggled with a 41 on the front nine, before settling in with a 37 on the back.

The Huskers closed the opening day of the regional in 15th at 307 (+19). Oklahoma took the top spot on the team leader board through 18 holes at 286 (-2), one stroke ahead of defending national champion Duke (287). Michigan added an even-par 288 to sit in third, while No. 18 Georgia is in fourth at 289 (+1), and No. 7 Arizona State and No. 15 Kent State are tied for fifth at 291 (+3).

Michigan’s Hailey Borja carded the best individual round of the day with a 69 (-3), while five players finished the opening 18 holes in a tie for second at 70.

Action continues at the NCAA Columbus Regional on Tuesday with tee times beginning at 7 a.m. (CT). The Huskers are scheduled to begin the day with tee times off No. 10 at 8 a.m. (CT), paired with golfers from Clemson and Campbell.