By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
GLENCOE, Ala. – The Tennessee Tech women's golf team worked through a chilly, rainy, and windy first day of play at the Chris Banister Golf Classic on Sunday, completing the first round at RTJ Silver Lakes.
The purple and gold ended day one ranked sixth in the seven-team field, less than 10 shots back of second place, after turning in a 319 among the challenging conditions. Host Jacksonville State led the way with a score of 298.
Junior Kaydi Rhodes finished the first day of action 13th among the 43 golfers in the field to pace the Golden Eagles. The veteran carded a 77, tallying a pair of birdies. Reigning Ohio Valley Conference Women's Golfer of the Week Chloe Griffith tied for 21st after producing one birdie and a score of 80.
Tied for 25th were senior Reagan Stuke and freshman Kailey Lane, each tallying rounds of 81. Stuke turned in 12 pars while Lane delivered a birdie.
Rounding out the Tech lineup, junior Sydney Branson ended the day with an 86. Competing as an individual, Cookeville native Lexus Julian fired a team-high three birdies on her way to an 81 and tied for 25th.
Monday's second round will open with tee times set to begin at 8:30 a.m. CT.
| Top 5 Teams: | ||||||
| 1. | Jacksonville State | 298 | +10 | |||
| 2. | Richmond | 310 | +22 | |||
| 3. | Murray State | 313 | +25 | |||
| 4. | Samford | 315 | +27 | |||
| 5. | North Alabama | 317 | +29 | |||
| 6. | Tennessee Tech | 319 | +31 | |||
| Leaderboard (43 Golfers) | ||||||
| T-1. | Paula Perez Cubinas (Jacksonville State) | 72 | E | |||
| T-1. | Gabi Nicastro (Samford) | 72 | E | |||
| 13. | Kaydi Rhodes | 77 | +5 | |||
| T-21. | Chloe Griffith | 80 | +8 | |||
| T-25. | Reagan Stuke | 81 | +9 | |||
| T-25. | Kailey Lane | 81 | +9 | |||
| T-25. | Lexus Julian (I) | 81 | +9 | |||
| T-38. | Sydney Branson | 86 | +14 | |||
| (I) - indicates competing as an individual | ||||||
File photo by Michael Wade
