By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. – The Tennessee Tech women's golf team got off to a strong start while competing at the Fighting Joe Course on the RTJ Golf Trail at The Shoals on Sunday, opening the Ohio Valley Conference Championships with round one of action in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

The Golden Eagles ended day one ranked third overall, sitting just two shots back of second-place Little Rock after producing a score of 306. Morehead State paced the field with a collective 3-over 291. Lindenwood's Andrea Alvarez and Morehead's Tavia Burgess tied for the individual lead with matching 1-under 71s. 

Leading the purple and gold on day one of play was sophomore Chloe Griffith, carding a 2-over 74 to tie for fourth among the 43 participants. Named to the All-OVC First Team on Saturday, the Tech youngster turned in a whopping 16 pars.

Tying for 10th overall, senior Reagan Stuke put forth a strong effort to open action, tallying a 4-over 76 with a pair of birdies and 11 pars. Just one shot back, rookie Kailey Lane tied for 12th following a round of 77 and two birdies of her own.

Rounding out the scoring for the Golden Eagles, junior Kaydi Rhodes locked down a first-round mark of 79 while sporting a birdie. Fellow junior Sydney Branson closed out her first experience at the OVC Championships with a score of 86 and one birdie. 

The second round of the OVC Championships will commence Monday morning, with tee times beginning at 8:00 a.m. CT. 

Photo by Jahmil Taylor, OVC