June 30, 2006
NEWPORT, R.I. -
California alums Sarah Huarte and Sophia Sheridan opened play Friday at the 61st U.S. Women's Open at the Newport Country Club.
Huarte, who hails from Shingle Springs, Calif., is tied for 53rd after carding a four-over 75. The 2004 NCAA champion fired five birdies but finished at two over on the front and back nines.
Sheridan is tied for 69th with a first-round score of 76. The two-time All-American from Guadalajara, Mexico, sank three birdies and finished at only one over on the back nine.
Jane Park (United States), Se Ri Pak (Korea), Pat Hurst (United States) and Annika Sorenstam (Sweden) are tied for first at two-under 69.
Huarte tied for 23rd with Sorenstam in her first appearance at the U.S. Women's Open last year. Sheridan is competing in the event for the first time.
The second round tees off Saturday beginning at 7 a.m. ET. Sheridan (7:11 a.m.) and Huarte (12:41 p.m.) both begin play from the first tee. The tournament concludes with 36 holes on Sunday as a result of fog cancelling yesterday's scheduled first round.
