Whipple shoots 68 to open regionals

The Saddleback women's golf team is one shot out of first place at the Southern California Regional Tournament after the opening round on Sunday in Chino, California.  Nicole Whipple shot a career-best 68 (4-under-par) to lead all players.

Saddleback shot 317 as a team to finish one shot back of Orange Empire Conference rival Fullerton College.   The regional finals will conclude today at El Prado Golf Course, with the top four teams moving on to the California Community College Athletic Association State Tournament at Morro Bay next Sunday and Monday.

Whipple had a sensational finish on Sunday, shooting 34-34 to finish five shots ahead of Fullerton's Catherine Lee for first place in medalist play.  The sophomore made six birdies on the 5,507-yard trek in what was easily her best round of the season.

Whipple was followed by Kenzie Edson (82), Caitlin Randolph (83) and Lia Harvey (84) for the Bobcats.

With one round remaining, Saddleback is 27 shots clear of fifth place Santa Barbara City College in an attempt to make it to a fourth straight state tournament appearance.  The Bobcats won the Sothern California Regional title a season ago before finishing second at the CCCA State Tournament.

Play resumes today at 7:45 AM at El Prado Golf Course.

1ST ROUND TEAM RESULTS: