July 5, 2012

Former USC star Lizette Salas, Troy's only four-time All-American, is tied for first with two others after the first round of the 2012 U.S. Women's Open on Thursday (July 5) at the Blackwolf Run Championship Course in Kohler, Wisc.

Salas, one of 10 current, incoming or former Trojans in the field, fired a 3-under 69, using four birdies against only one bogey to earn a share of first along with fellow Americans Cristie Kerr and Brittany Linicicome.

Jennifer Song, one of a handful of Salas' former USC All-American teammates, is tied for 15th at par 72.

Long-time LPGA pro Nicole Castrale is tied for 24th at 1-over 73 along with former NCAA title-winner Dewi Schreefel.

Trojan great Candie Kung, the career money leader among Trojan pros, is tied for 38th at 2-over while Belen Mozo, another former All-American, is tied for 77th at 4-over 76 along with sophomore-to-be Doris Chen.

Another former great, Paola Moreno, who teamed with Mozo, Schreefel and Salas on USC's 2008 title team, is tied for 94th at 5-over 77 with incoming freshman Kyung Kim, who is playing as an amateur along with Chen.

Veronica Felibert, who posted a career-best tie for fourth last week at an LPGA event in Arkansas, is having a tougher go of it so far in Wisconsin, tied for 118th at 7-over 79.

The early projected cut is 3-over. Action continues Friday through Sunday (July 6-8).