Defending champs playing without top returner

The UA women's golf team isn't taking long to defend its national title. Last year's NCAA champions lead No . 1 ranked Duke by one stroke after the first round of the Wildcat Invitational, which is being held at The Raven at Sabino Springs golf course.

"We did pretty good for the first day," freshman Lorena Ochoa said. "The course is very good for us. We have better chances than (the other teams). Everybody is very excited to be here and to be winning so far."

The Invitational - the second-ranked Wildcats' lone home tournament of the year - is being played at the par-72 Raven through tomorrow afternoon.