Phoenix, Arizona, March 24, 2026
The Northern Arizona University women’s golf team finished the first round of the ASU Ping Invitational in 13th place, posting a score of 298 at the Papago Golf Club. Freshman Lydia Lin led the team with an even-par 72, tying for 24th individually. Following her, Frankie Dezis and Amy Hodgkins contributed significantly to the team’s performance. The tournament features 16 teams, with Southern California currently leading the event.
Phoenix, Arizona – NAU Women’s Golf Opens ASU Ping Invitational in 13th Place After First Round
The Northern Arizona University (NAU) women’s golf team concluded the first round of the ASU Ping Invitational in 13th place on Monday, March 23, 2026. The Lumberjacks posted a combined score of 298, which is 10-over-par, at the Papago Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona.
Lydia Lin Leads the Lumberjacks
Freshman Lydia Lin led NAU’s performance, finishing the opening round at an even-par 72 and tying for 24th place individually. Lin demonstrated a consistent performance, recording three birdies on the back nine to balance an earlier three-over-par on the front nine.
Team and Individual Performances
Following Lin, Frankie Dezis is tied for 37th place after carding a two-over 74. Dezis achieved an under-par back nine, including a birdie on the par-4 12th hole, and tied for fourth in the field with 14 pars. Amy Hodgkins is one stroke behind Dezis, tied for 50th at three-over 75, and recorded 13 pars. Nina Lukyanenko, a senior, finished at five-over 77, tied for 65th, and is tied for third in par-5 scoring. Sumin Kang rounded out the team’s scoring with an eight-over 80, tied for 82nd, and played the back nine at even-par. As a team, NAU is averaging 3.10 (+2) on par-3 holes and 5.05 (+1) on par-5s, with 10 birdies and 57 pars recorded in the first round.
Tournament Overview
The ASU Ping Invitational is a three-day tournament running from March 23 to March 25, 2026, hosted by Arizona State at the par-72 Papago Golf Course. Sixteen teams are competing in the event. Second-ranked Southern California (USC) currently leads the tournament with a score of 17-under-par 271. USC’s Jasmine Koo is the individual leader, having carded a six-under 66 in the first round. Other top teams include No. 26 Baylor in second place, Cal State-Fullerton in third, and host team No. 23 Arizona State in fourth. No. 14 UCLA is in fifth place, and Washington is in eighth place.
Background and Recent Performance
The Lumberjacks are returning to action at this invitational. In their most recent competition, NAU successfully hosted its annual Red Rocks Invitational, securing the team title at 10-under par, a new tournament record. Hodgkins also became a co-individual champion at that event. The last time NAU competed in the ASU Ping Invitational, they finished in 10th place. Arizona State is the defending champion of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did the NAU women’s golf team open the ASU Ping Invitational? The NAU women’s golf team opened play at the ASU Ping Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona.
- What place is the NAU women’s golf team in after the first round? The NAU women’s golf team is in 13th place after the first round.
- Who is leading the NAU team after the first round? Lydia Lin is leading the NAU team after the first round.
- What was the NAU team’s score after the first round? The NAU team’s score after the first round was 298, which is 10-over-par.
- Who is the overall individual leader in the tournament? Jasmine Koo of USC is the overall individual leader in the tournament.
- Which team is currently leading the ASU Ping Invitational? No. 2 Southern California (USC) is currently leading the ASU Ping Invitational.
- When is the ASU Ping Invitational taking place? The ASU Ping Invitational is taking place from March 23 to March 25, 2026.
ASU Ping Invitational – Key Features (After Round 1)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | ASU Ping Invitational |
| Location | Papago Golf Club, Phoenix, Arizona |
| Dates | March 23-25, 2026 |
| NAU Team Standing (Round 1) | 13th place |
| NAU Team Score (Round 1) | 298 (+10) |
| NAU Leading Player | Lydia Lin |
| Lydia Lin’s Score (Round 1) | Even-par 72 |
| Overall Tournament Leader (Team) | No. 2 Southern California (USC) |
| Overall Tournament Leader (Individual) | Jasmine Koo (USC) |
| Total Competing Teams | 16 |
| Defending Champion | Arizona State |
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