February 19, 2012

Tech one stroke out of lead after first day of Ann Rhoads Invitational

Amanda Randolph and Brandy VanEtten are both tied for second place, one shot off the lead, and the Tennessee Tech women's golf team is in second place among the 16 teams at the Ann Rhaods Invitational, also one stroke behind the leader.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Amanda Randolph and Brandy VanEtten are both tied for second place, one shot off the lead, and the Tennessee Tech women's golf team is in second place among the 16 teams at the Ann Rhaods Invitational, also one stroke behind the leader with a final round of 18 holes slated for Monday.

Windy and cold conditions at the Valley Course at Oxmoor Valley provided the backdrop to the opening round of the tournament, being hosted by Birmingham Southern College.

The University of Indianapolis, ranked 17th among NCAA Division III schools, leads all teams after posting a 336, despite a round that featured rain for the first 90 minutes and was followed by winds measuring consistently at 25-30 mph.

Tech carded a team score of 337, which was good enough for second on the day. Six shots back in third place at 343 is Methodist University, the No. 1 ranked NCAA Division III program.

Montevallo's Ashlee Beck leads all individuals after carding an 81, while Randolph and VanEtten are among five players tied for second place with an opening-round 82.

Katy Beth Glover is also threatening to claim a Top 10 finish, closing Sunday's play in 11th place with an 85. Amber Shepherd is 26th after carding an 88 while Katherine Bell is tied for 31st at 89.

Following the top three teams, Belmont is in fourth place at 352, followed by SIU Edwardsville (353), Indiana State (357), Jackson State (358), Montevallo (359), Lipscomb (362), Birmingham Southern (363), King College (365), Lenoir-Rhyne (371), Texas-Tyler (375), Anderson (384), Huntingdon (386) and Tennessee State (416).

Monday's second and final round will begin with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.