May 9, 2008

Port St. Lucie, FL. -- Old Dominion University junior golfer Alexis Garduno (Sacramento, CA.) shot a first round 79 to take a two-stroke lead in the Women's Independent Division of the 22nd PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship.

The event is being held at the PGA Golf Club (Ryder and Wanamaker courses).

Fellow Lady Monarch junior Deztany Jackson (Ft. Washington, MD.) shot a 92 and is fifth. Jackson won this event in 2006 as a freshman.

235 contestants from 38 colleges and universities comprise the championship field. The 54-hole, stroke-play Championship will consist of four divisions: NCAA Men's Division I and II, and NAIA Men's and Women's. In addition, there is an Individual Invitational competition for minority Men and Women contestants.

The Individual Invitational is open to students who are African-American, Hispanic-American, Native or Alaskan American, Asian or Pacific Island American.

WOMEN'S INDEPENDENT DIVISION
1. Alexis Garduno-ODU 79
2. Maria Urquiola, Bethune-Cookman 81
3. Sara Young, Florida State 82
4. Mackenzie Mack, Indiana State 87
5. Deztany Jackson, ODU  92
6. Melissa Uriegas, Texas-pan American 93
7. Cynthia Jordan, Benedict,  114
8. Kellie Ross, Baldwin-Wallace 115
9. Lauren Daniels, Benedict 121
10. Letricia Carter, Benedict 158