PULLMAN, Wash. – The University of Denver women's golf team opened the 2019-20 season with a strong performance on Monday at the Washington State Cougar Cup. The Pioneers fired a 284 (4-under) team score in the first two rounds to finish the day in third place with a 36-hole score of 568 (8-under) at the par-72 Palouse Ridge Golf Club.
 
Oregon State leads the 15-team field with a two-round score of 563 (13-under), followed by Oregon three strokes back.
 
"We had a very solid day today, it was a total team effort," said head coach Lindsay Kuhle. "We shot 4-under in both rounds and are five strokes back of the lead.
 
"I know this team is extremely competitive and that they left a few strokes out there today. If we can play aggressive tomorrow with the high level of confidence this team has, I think we can put ourselves in contention."
 
Senior Mary Weinstein paced the Crimson and Gold through the first 36-holes of play. After firing an even-par 72 in the first round, the senior carded five birdies in the second round to finish with an 18-hole score of 3-under, putting her tied in ninth heading into the final round on Tuesday.
 
"Mary was consistent again and shot a 72 and 69," said Kuhle.
 
In her Pioneer debut, freshman Anna Krekling finished the first day tied for 15th with a 36-hole total of 143 (1-under). Following a 1-over par performance in the first round, the freshman moved up 17 spots on the individual leaderboard with a 2-under par scorecard in the afternoon.
 
"Anna [Krekling] shot a 73 and 70, and played with a lot of confidence in the second round," added Kuhle.
 
Alyson Bean fired five birdies in round one on her birthday to finish with an 18-hole score of 4-under (68), a career best. The sophomore finished the day even at 144 and tied for 19th.
 
"Aly shot a 68 and 76 today, and was fantastic and steady in the first round," Kuhle said.
 
Erika Danielsson, also making her collegiate debut, shot up the individual leaderboard 36 spots in round two to finish the first day tied for 22nd. The powerful Finland native overcame a sluggish start with a 3-under effort in the second round.

"I was happy to see Erika finish strong after her rough start. She finished 3-under in her last 27 holes," Kuhle said of her freshman.
 
Anna Zanusso opened her Pioneer career with a 36-hole score of 147 (3-over). She finished the opening day 1-under.The freshman currently sits tied for 36th after one day of play.
 
"Anna shot a 71 and 76 and I am confident she can go low tomorrow with her fantastic ball-striking," Kuhle added.
 
The third and final round will tee off tomorrow morning.
 
Live scoring for the tournament can be found right HERE.
 
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