By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – The Tennessee Tech women's golf team got off to a strong start in its spring season, tying for 20th overall in the 43-team field of the Edwin Watts / Kiawah Island Classic opening round Sunday afternoon.
The Golden Eagles, who shot a 307 on the first of three straight days of play, put forth an effort placing them with their highest ranking ever for the annual tournament held at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
In a field of over 230 golfers, it was redshirt freshman Arianna Clemmer who led the way for the Golden Eagles on day one, tying her career-low round with a 1-over 73. The rookie totaled just three bogeys on the day, snagging two birdies to help the cause and tie for 24th overall.
Not far behind was a veteran member of the Tech squad, senior Lydia Triplett. She carded a 2-over 74 after dropping a team-best three birdies in the event's first round. Triplett tied for 34th among the huge field.
Sophomore Hollee Sadler and junior Allyson Dunn both tied for 121st while playing on the Osprey Point Course, shooting matching 80s to contribute to the team's 307. Whitney Robertson rounded out the Tech participants, completing Sunday's round with an 81.
Through one round, the Golden Eagles sit in a tie with Stetson for 20th place, trailing in-state rival Chattanooga by just two strokes and sitting just five strokes behind Ohio Valley Conference rival Murray State. Tech also leads OVC foe Jacksonville State by a single stroke.
The Golden Eagles will look to climb the rankings and clinch a spot in the championship field of the event during round two. TTU will begin play with a 9:43 a.m. CT tee time.
Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
