(Editor’s note: Montana State University press release)
PHOENIX, A.Z. – Montana State sophomore Kelly Hooper leads a field of 85 golfers through two rounds of the Grand Canyon Invitational as the Bobcats completed the opening day of action Saturday, Feb. 24, at the GCU Golf Course.
Montana State sat in second place following the first 18 holes after it fired a 299. Hooper shot a 2-under-par 70 and Jaylee Tait shot an even-par 72 to lead the Bobcats through the first round. MSU dropped to ninth in the team standings after a second round 324.
“Kelly and Jaylee played awesome in the first round and we had it going as a team,” Montana State head coach Brittany Basye said. “We just broke down mentally during the second round. It’s about team effort and I can’t say it enough, we need everyone contributing on this team.”
Hooper wrapped up the day at 2-over 146 by shooting a second-round 76. She is one stroke ahead of three different individuals that are tied for second.
Tait followed her even-par with a 7-over 79 in her second set of 18 holes. She sits in a tie for 11th with a total of 151 strokes.
MSU Sophomore Delaney Elliott completed her day with a 163 (77-86). Rounding out the Bobcats’ lineup was Lilly Navarre with a 164 (80-84) and Coral Schulz with a 165 (80-85).
“I’m excited for Kelly,” Basye said. “She is playing good golf. Tomorrow will be a good test for us to control our emotions and play a solid 18 holes.”
The Bobcats continue play at the GCU Invitational on Sunday with the final round set to begin at 8 a.m. Live results will be available at golfstatresults.com.
