Lady Tigers open season with invite

When Melea Galimberto and Charla Fecht went back to the clubhouse Monday afternoon after carding a 47 during the nine-hole scramble portion of the season-opening Third annual Nevada Lady Tiger Invitational, their fate was confirmed.

Clinton's Kali Smith and Talissa Lippe had checked in with a 48, so Nevada's 47 stood up after Carl Junction's Kelsee Day and Lindsey Rice combined for a 58, giving Galimberto and Fecht a one-stroke win over the Clinton duo at the Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course.

"I figured the Clinton team might win it with a 48," Nevada head coach Brian Leonard admitted. "When Mali and Charla came in with a 47, I said, 'Oh, my.' "

Nevada, led by Heather Klingaman's third-place finish, took third (253) behind Carl Junction (232) and Clinton (232) in the team standings. Carl Junction won the tourney for the third straight year, the same number of years the Nevada invite has been in existence.

Klingaman, a senior, shot a 91, about where Leonard says he is going to expect from her this season.

"She's got to be anywhere from 85 to 95," he said. "She had a a triple-bogey on one hole on the back nine, but she'll get some birdies."

She was so nervous before the match today and I tried to calm here down. Her mom and dad tried to calm her down. She was just nervous."

Nicole Campbell and Emily DeBrine shot a Best Ball Score of 115 for fourth place.

Chelsey Turner also competed for Nevada individually, shooting a 125 for sixth place.

Carl Junction's Adysen Mertens was the medalist, shooting 46-41--87 in 18 holes.

Clinton's Darcy Smith took second at 47-43--90, and Klingaman's 45-46--91 landed her in third place.