Southern California grabs early lead

USC

McCloskey

NEW ORLEANS — Senior Lisa McCloskey fired a 1-under 71 and freshman Doris Chen carded a par 72 to lead No. 4 USC into a first-round lead at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate on Sunday.

The Trojans combined for a 5-over 293, one better than second-place Oregon (294) and two better than third-place Duke (295). Colorado and Baylor are tied for fourth at 4-over 297 in the tightly-packed field.

McCloskey had four birdies on the day, including two on a 1-under back 9. She is two back of leader Cali Hipp of Oregon. Chen had three on the day and was 1-under on the front 9.

Sophomore Sophia Popov tied for 14th at 2-over 74 after going 1-over on the front and back 9.

Senior Inah Park is tied for 35th at 4-over 76 while sophomore Rachel Morris is tied for 61st at 7-over79.