Auburn freshman All-American Cydney Clanton earned a spot at the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open after firing 69 and 71 during the 36-hole, one-day sectional qualifying event held at the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. 

Joining Clanton at the Open will be former All-American Nicole Hage.

The U.S. Open will be held June 26-29 at the Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn.  Information on the event can be found on the official web site at http://www.2008uswomensopen.com. 

Auburn has had six individuals compete in past U.S. Women’s Open’s, including Hage the past two years. Assistant coach Courtney Trimble (Swaim) played at the 2002 and 2004 Open, while Diana Ramage and Celeste Troche were competitors in 2001. Virginia Derby-Grimes has been to the Open on five different occasions, while Missy Tuck Gordon competed in 1994.

Clanton finished the season ranked No. 13 in the country, while averaging a team best 73.54 for the year. Clanton was Auburn’s top finisher at the NCAA Championship three weeks ago as she finished tied for 23rd (74-75-77-71—297). For her efforts, Clanton was named First-Team All-American and NGCA Freshman Golfer of the Year, to go along with SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-SEC honors.