Most of the field at the Edean Ihlanfeldt Invitational finished the second round realizing that even amongst some of the best golf programs in the country, the course can prove to be the fiercest competitor.
The ASU women's golf team, led by freshman Jennifer Osborn, stood up to the 6,192-yard Sahalee Country Club and posted a second-round-best 7-over 295, taking full advantage of Tuesday's perfect conditions.
"This kind of golf course separates the best players from the field," ASU coach Melissa Luellen said. "You just don't get away with shots here, you have to make them."
After passing No. 2-ranked Pepperdine early to take a three-stroke lead at the turn, the Sun Devils continued to break away from the pack. ASU sits at 19-over 595 after two days.
Newcomer Osborn emerged unscathed by the intimidating course, which hosted the 1998 PGA Championship and 2002 World Golf Championships NEC-Invitational.
Osborn climbed from third to first early in the round by standing still, turning in an even-par 36 on the front nine and letting the competition slide down the leader board. After making the turn, Osborn birdied four of the last nine holes, carding a career-best 3-under 69.
"She loves being on the golf course and her routine is so exact," Luellen said. "She's able to stay in a really good rhythm and be comfortable because she works so hard on her pre-shot routine."
Riding a comfortable five-stroke lead into the final round, Osborn sits atop the field at 2-under 142 in just her third appearance in maroon and gold.
Luellen said despite Osborn's outstanding performance, maintaining par was the game plan.
"We talked about fairways and greens and not going for pins," she added. "Hitting the fairways is at a real premium at this course and we've done a great job of it."
Fellow freshman Azahara Munoz also moved up the leader board from 12th to a tie for fourth after posting a 2-over 74, one stroke better than her first-round finish.
A top-5 finish would be Munoz's second in her first two outings for ASU. The last Sun Devil to start her career in the same fashion was 2004-05 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year Louise Stahle, who is currently in the process of qualifying for the LPGA Tour.
Junior Lindsay Anderson shaved four strokes from her first round score to card a 3-over 75 for day two, leaving her tied for 21st with the rest of the Sun Devil squad.
Also at 10-over 154 are senior Alissa Kuczka and junior Tiffany Tavee. Both are knotted with Anderson in 21st place, along with eight other golfers.
Reach the reporter at michael.fowler@asu.edu.
