Monday, September 26, 2011

Michelle Kleckner (New Brighton, Minn./Irondale H.S.) holds a five shot lead individually and Valparaiso has a two stroke advantage as a team following the opening round of a rain delayed Tennessee State Fall Classic held on Monday at Morningstar Golf Club in Indianapolis, Ind.

Kleckner fired a three-over par 75 on the 6,000-yard, par 72 layout following a three hour rain delay prior to the start of the round.  Kleckner’s round marks a new school record for 18 holes, bettering the old mark by a shot.

“Michelle played really well today,” head coach Mat Blair said following the round.  “I’m quite proud of her.”

As a team Valpo shot a four player total of 326 to lead Chicago State by two strokes heading into Tuesday’s final round.

“We played decent today,” Blair said.  “It was not our best, but we got the job done.  I’m proud of the girls for gutting out the round.  They really battled out there, each and every one of them.”

Kelly Voigt (Palatine, Ill./Fremd H.S.) is in fourth place after shooting an opening round 81.  Brianna Davy (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central H.S.) added an 84 while Jessica O’Brien (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.) and Erika Pfaender (Pewaukee, Wis./Arrowhead H.S.) each fired an 86.  O’Brien’s round was highlighted by an eagle two on the par four seventh hole.  The junior holed out a shot from 86 yards with a wedge.

A.J. Selig (Hortonville, Wis./Appleton West H.S.) added an 87 for the Crusaders while Alyssa Cameron (Warsaw, Ind./Warsaw H.S.) shot a collegiate best round of 89.  Kathleen Cooper (Hobart, Ind./Hobart H.S.) carded an opening round 101 for the Brown and Gold.

Tuesday’s final round of play is slated to begin at 8 a.m. CDT.