UHH’s Sawada grabs lead in Texas

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Kristen Sawada handled the winds like no other player, carding a 7-over 78 to grab the first-round lead at the St. Edward’s Invitational at the Grey Rock Golf Club.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Kristen Sawada handled the winds like no other player, carding a 7-over 78 to grab the first-round lead at the St. Edward’s Invitational at the Grey Rock Golf Club.

With gusts averaging in the 20-35 mph range in Austin, Texas, the sophomore from Mililani, Oahu, was the only golfer to turn in sub-80 round.

St. Edward’s Haley Haught and Wallis Spears were both two shots back to lift their team into the lead at 324 heading into today’s final round.

The rest of the Vulcans had a more difficult time than Sawada, and UHH (343) was fifth. Erika Morihiro turned in an 87 and was tied for 25th place. Nyssa Akoi was a stroke back and tied for 32nd place. Jade Salvador (T43, 90) and Kacie Harada (T49, 92) completed the scoring. Playing as an individual was Shannon Abarra (T52, 93).

St. Edwards was followed by Tarleton State (334), Angelo State (337) and Dallas Baptist (339) and UH-Hilo (343).