2008 Woodie Awards
WOMEN'S GOLF: Ball State in control after first day at home
Pruett tied for lead; Cards ahead by one heading into final day
Kyle Shaner
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The Ball State University sophomore got a hole-in-one on the par-3, 14th hole, the first of her career.
"That was a pretty special moment, I'm not going to lie," Esford said. "It's something I've been waiting for, and for it to happen at Ball State is really special."
Esford said the shot was looking good the entire way, and it was all over the flag-stick.
Ball State women's golf coach, Katherine Mowat, said she witnessed the shot as it spun back to the hole and into the cup. Mowat said she was excited by what she saw in the first day of the Cardinal Classic, not just the hole-in-one but the team as a whole.
The Cardinals lead two-day invitational with a 304 after the first round at the Delaware Country Club. Also, freshman Rachael Pruett is tied for first individually with a 74 in the first round, the best round in her Ball State career.
"I was very pleased with the way I played," Pruett said. "I finally put together a solid round of golf."
Pruett said she was more relaxed Sunday than any other time this season because it was a home event, and she was able to relax in her familiar surroundings instead of being on the road. After struggling most of the season, she said, it was special to break out at a home invitational.
"If there's time to do it, your home tournament is the place to show everyone what you've got," she said.
Pruett is tied with Kameron Carter from Longwood University and Sarah Prascsak of the University of Indianapolis for the lead individually.
Ball State's Kirsty O'Connor is one shot behind the leaders with a 75 in the first round and tied for fourth overall with Meghan Hunter from Ferris State University.
Brittany Kelly is two strokes behind the leaders and tied for sixth individually with Paige McCracken and Lauren Showers of Butler University.
"It's very encouraging," Mowat said. "It's fun and exciting for the team with having their scores so close together. Anything could happen [today]."
Esford is fourth among the Cardinals' golfers with a 79 in the first round, which puts her in a tie for 16th.
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