Ciganda Looking For Second Win

Carlota Ciganda held a share of the first-round lead and got a hot start Saturday morning in Mexico City. Coming from behind to win is not new for Ciganda having come from five-shots back to pick up her first win on the LPGA Tour at this year’s LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship.

“I started playing very good, four birdies on the first five holes,” said Ciganda. “I felt really comfortable, and then I slowed down a little bit. I made two bogeys on 9 and in 11, but still playing good hitting lots fairways, greens so I just adjusted myself, gave myself a bit more chances and if I can make a few more, better for tomorrow and that’s what I did and I’m happy with the round.”

The 2012 rookie has had an impact on 2016 rookie, Gaby Lopez.

“I think she’s (Gaby Lopez) a good player I think she’s going to be really good, she has to be patient, I know she can shoot really low scores, like yesterday I mean I wasn’t surprised because I know the way she is playing,” said Ciganda. “Today she might have been a little nervous playing in the last group, I mean her home course, her family, everyone is watching her, so she was maybe a little bit overwhelmed but I am sure she will finish off strong tomorrow. I just wish her all the best.”

Smith in Good Position Heading into Final Round

Sarah Jane Smith, who had a two-shot lead going into the third round of the Citibanamex Lorena Ochoa Invitational Presented by Aeromexico and Delta, had a solid round finishing even par.

“It was nice to have a day like today where it wasn’t very good, and I kind of scrambled,” said Smith. “I mean, obviously, I was pretty nervous most of the day, it was a position I’ve never been in before I wouldn’t say I handle it well but I scrambled well, so that should give me some confidence for tomorrow, even if it is not perfect it would still be okay.”

Smith sits one shot off the lead and in a good position heading into the final round.

“I love the golf course so hopefully tomorrow I’ll get out there and relax a little more, sway some better shots,” said Smith. “I enjoyed it still, but I had a few moments where my heart was going a little faster than it should have been, but I still enjoyed it, but I am kind of happy to be off the course for now and regroup, hit a few balls and then be ready for tomorrow.’

Angela Stanford feeling comfortable in Mexico

Angela Stanford, 2008 champion, sits tied for fourth through three rounds in Mexico City after a third-round 69 moved her up the leaderboard and within two shots of leader Austin Ernst.

“It feels good because I didn’t feel like starting the day I was hitting it as good as yesterday and then once I got out there I really had to be patient because I wasn’t hitting as good as I was yesterday, it was nice to end that way because I didn’t expect it today,” said Stanford. “I like this golf course, and I like the way I was hitting it today even though I was hitting it a little off, but I like some of the dots I’m having, so I’m excited about tomorrow.”

Amateur Maria Fassi Bounces Back in Third Round

Amateur Maria Fassi of Mexico followed a second round 76 with a 65 to sit in a tie for eighth heading into the final round of the Citibanamex Lorena Ochoa Invitational Presented by Aeromexico and Delta.

“I wasn’t even thinking about the leaderboard or anything like that I was just, I think a lot more clear and more calmed than I was yesterday,” said Fassi. “I learned a lot from yesterday, and I think it worked out pretty good today. “

Fassi learned a great deal from her second round.

“Not to be critic, to be patient and just to enjoy, like I did not enjoy at all yesterday, and I was really disappointed at that because what is the point of being here as an amateur if I am not enjoying the round, so I think that’s my take off of today, I put all of that into practice and it worked out pretty good,” said Fassi. “Even if I missed a couple of short birdies and I was just calmed, I kept enjoying, and it worked out pretty good.”

Playing in Mexico City has been a treat for Fassi, and she said she ‘loves it.'

“I love playing with my people and having the support from friends and family here,” Fassi said. “So, I think it’s just awesome playing here on a professional event. Ever since I was little, I loved playing with big crowds so it’s just more of that and I am enjoying it a lot.”

Ciganda Looking for Second Win, Smith in Good Position and more from Mexico

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