Feb. 12, 2008

ENSADA, Mexico. - Three Southern Miss women's golfers placed in the top ten to lead the Golden Eagles after two rounds of the Baja Invitational, being played at Bajamar Oceanfront Resort in Ensada, Mexico. The tournament is being co-hosted by Southern Miss and Northern Illinois.

Heather Golden sits in a tie for fourth-place after shooting a 76-77 for a nine-over 153. Jennifer Judge, playing as an individual, went 77-78 for an 11-over par 155. Freshman Virginia Espejo shot a 12-over par 156 (80-76), placing her in ninth place.

Kate Burns and Samantha Holt are tied for 16th-place, shooting a 159 (77-82). Rebecka Nilsson is tied for 27th after shooting a 163. Jennifer Bodemann is in 32nd-place, shooting a 166 as an individual. Clara Viladomiu is tied for 33rd with a 167. Helena Backlund and Ashley Joubert, playing as individuals, round out the roster, shooting 170 (t38th) and 174 (45th), respectively.

Tyrette Metzendorf of Iowa leads the tournament by shooting a one-over 145. Bradley's Rikki Sobel is in second-place shooting a five-over 149, while Jessica Tarbet is in third after shooting an eight-over 152.

Iowa leads the team scoring with 624 overall strokes. Kennesaw State is in second with 625 strokes, while Southern Miss sits in third with 631 strokes. Bradley is in fourth at 634, followed by Southern Illinois at 637, North Texas at 646, Drake at 655, USC-Upstate at 659 and Northern Illinois at 689

The tournament concludes Tuesday morning with the final 18. Play begins at 7:30 a.m.