By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

GADSDEN, Ala. - The Tennessee Tech women's golf team opened up play at the Chris Bannister Fall Classic with a concerted effort Sunday, finishing the first round of action at Silver Lakes Golf Course in fifth place overall among the nine competing programs.

The Golden Eagles totaled 311 overall on the first day of the event hosted by Ohio Valley Conference rival Jacksonville State, ranking 17 strokes shy of first-place Murray State and just nine strokes back of second-place ranked UAB. Individually, the Racers' Moa Folke led all competitors on day one, firing a 1-under 71.

Leading the way for the Tech starting five was junior Allyson Dunn, who fired a 3-over 75 to finish in a tie for eighth overall among the field of 51 participants. Following just behind was senior veteran Whitney Robertson. The Clarksville, Tenn. native carded a 4-over 76, concluding the first 18 holes of competition in a tie for 11th.

Sophomore Hollee Sadler ranked next among the Golden Eagles that made the trip south, totaling a 78 to tie for 20th overall. Lydia Triplett wrapped up the scoring for the purple and gold, concluding her first round of the week with an 82. 

Making her Tennessee Tech debut, redshirt freshman Arianna Clemmer rounded out the Golden Eagles with a first-round score of 83.

"I'm proud of the way the women hung in there to the end today," head coach Polk Brown said. "If we can get a few more putts to fall, we will be in excellent position to make up some major ground tomorrow."

Photo by Cody Bryant