NIACC's Tusler opens with 99 at national tournament

MESA, Ariz. - NIACC sophomore Courtney Tusler shot a first-round 51-48 - 99 at the NJCAA Division I national golf tournament Monday at the Longbow Golf Course.

NIACC coach Chris Frenz said that Tusler, the Osage native, struggled hitting the ball off the tee in her first 18 holes of the 72-hole tournament.

"She just couldn't get herself in good position and was hitting a lot of longer shots into greens that simply don't hold anything," the 12th-year coach said. "While I know she is frustrated with her perfomance (Monday), I also know she'll make the adjustments needed (Tuesday) and attack this course again with all she's got.

"Her attitude is always excellent and she still has goals in mind."

Last season at the national tournament in Georgia, Tusler placed 90th with a 92-93-94-96 - 375.

Tusler, who is tied for 92nd is set to tee off at 8:10 a.m. Arizona time (10:10 a.m. Iowa time) on Tuesday.

Daytona State College leads the team race with a 289. Iowa Western is in 12th with a 346 and DMACC is in 16th with a 365.

Iowa Western's Cassidy Evreniadis is in fifth place with a first-round 75.