BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Although they are veteran golfers, before
Sunday Tennessee Tech freshmen Katya Hoffman and Megan Williamson
had never played a round on the collegiate level.
It didn't faze them as the pair went out and scored the two lowest
rounds of the day for coach Polk Brown's Golden Eagles in the first
day of the Chris Banister Gamecock Classic. Hoffman carded an 81
and WIlliamson shot an 82 to pace the Golden Eagles, who are in
eighth place after the first of three days at the 10-team
tournament at SIlver Lakes Golf Course.
Texas State shot a 298 team total to claim a one-shot lead over
Middle Tennessee State, with Ohio Valey Conference member Murray
State a close third at 301. Lamar (304) is fourth, with host
Jacksonville State (313) 15 shots out of the lead in fifth
place.
The second five include Western Kenticky (621), Belmont (328),
Tech (334), Lipscomb (338) and Northern Kentucky (339).
Hoffman and Williams each posted a three-over 39 on the front nine
Sunday. Hoffman, who joined the team this year after sitting out
last year, followed a 42 on the back nine for her 81 to place her
29th in the field of 61 players. Williamson scored 43 on the back
nine for her 82, putting her at 33rd.
Senior Katherine Bell is next on the individual leaderboard in
44th place, shooting an 85 Sunday. Allison Geer, another freshman
making her collegiate debut, also figured in the team's first-round
scoring with an 86 to put her in 46th place.
Tech's lineup is completed by redshirt freshman Madalyn Everts,
returning to action after missing most of last year with an injury,
shot an 88 to place her 53rd. The Golden Eagles also have one
player competing as an individual. Senior Amanda Randolph shot an
87 to place her in a tie for 49th place overall.
The second round is scheduled for Monday morning, with the final
round slated to tee of Tuesday morning.