By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Despite a lengthy delay due to rain and very wet playing conditions, the Tennessee Tech women's golf team got through the opening round of the 10th annual Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate Sunday afternoon. 

The Golden Eagles hosted its yearly tournament at Sevierville Golf Club in Sevierville, Tenn., competing on the Highlands course with 14 other programs. The purple and gold completed day one 14th among the 15 teams in the field, posting a 326 collectively. Austin Peay held the lead following the first round, boasting a 293.

The Governors' Taylor Dedmen tied with North Georgia's Madeline Ananthasane for the individual lead on the day, each recording 2-under 69s to kick off the tournament.

For Tech, it was Ainsley Simms pacing the effort with a 4-over 75. The junior tied for 15th among the 85 participants after carding a team-high three birdies on the day. 

Twin sisters Elisabeth and Katrine Toennessen matched each other's performance to open the event, both firing 78s on the day to tie for 33rd. Elisabeth made 12 pars while Katrine delivered a pair of birdies while competing as an individual.

Also competing as individuals were Gittle Sciolis and Sydney Branson. A senior, Sciolis tied for 45th with two birdies on her way to a 79. Branson, a rookie, recorded an 85 in her first trip around the course.

Veteran Makenzie Morton placed 71st overall and third among the Golden Eagle lineup with an 86 and a pair of birdies. Freshman Kaydi Rhodes finished just one stroke back, producing an 87 with a birdie to tie for 72nd. Right behind in a tie for 78th was sophomore Reagan Stuke, carding an 88 with one birdie.

Tech will kick off Monday's second round with a shotgun start beginning at 9:00 a.m. CT. 

Photo by Kaylee Bruton