May 26, 2000

Sunriver, Ore. - The Wake Forest women's golf team continues to improve each day as the Deacons shot a 304 at the NCAA Championships in Sunriver, OR today. With a three-round 917, Wake is tied for 16th along with Arizona State and is 52 strokes behind leader Arizona.

Junior Marta Prieto continues to play strongly, finishing the third round with a one-under 71. She has had two sub-par rounds in as many days. Prieto lists in a tie for 6th place with a three-round 218. Freshman Maria Beautell shot a three-over 75 and will enter the final round in a tie for 30th place with a 225. Sophomore Katie Brenny has been consistent throughout the tournament, shooting an 80 on the third 18, after compiling an 81 and 79 in rounds one and two. She enters the final day tied for 109th with a three-round 240.

Freshman Nuria Clau had her second best round of the event, carding a six-over 78 to give her a three-round score of 241. Clau is in sole possession of 111th place. Senior Kelly Kirwin, who will play her final round of collegiate golf tomorrow, shot an 82 in today's round and is in 112th place with a 242.

"We had a much better day today -- we hit one hole, however, and came in six-over par. We just didn't play it well.," said head coach Dianne Dailey. "Maria (Beautell) put together three birdies in a row on the backside, but she gave it up on the front. It was just one of those up and down days - we could have easily been in the 290 range."

The University of Arizona continues to lead the field after carding a three-under 285 as a team. The Wildcats are 28 strokes ahead of second place USC after putting together a team score of a one-over 865 through 54 holes. Julia Kraschinski and Jenna Daniels, both from Arizona, lead all individuals with a six-under 210.

Wake Forest will begin play in the championship round tomorrow at 1:30 PST.