Tech women eighth after first day of Chris Banister Gamecock Classic

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.