May 7, 2009

Gainesville, Fla. -- The Furman women’s golf team shot an opening round 305 to hold a share of 14th place after the opening round of the NCAA East Regional at the University of Florida’s par-70 Mark Bostick Golf Course on Thursday.

Senior Blair Lamb recorded a birdie on the first and last hole of her round to lead the Paladins with a three-over par 73 to grab a share of 23rd place. Sophomore Jackie Hilea posted an opening round five-over 75 and fellow sophomore Stefanie Kenoyer added a six-over 76 for Furman.

East Carolina carded a first round 283 to take a one-stroke lead over second place Alabama and three-stroke advantage over third place Vanderbilt. Denver and Virginia rounded out the top five. The Pirates’ Abby Bools and Ana Maria Puche are tied for the individual lead at two-under 68. Seven golfers are tied for third at one-under par.

Second round play is set for Friday morning with the final round scheduled for Sunday. Furman is set to tee off at 7:30 a.m. on Friday.

The top eight teams and top two remaining individuals from each 54-hole regional will advance to the NCAA Championship slated for May 19-22, at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Md. The Paladins finished eight at last year’s NCAA East Regional in Athens, Ga., to earn their 16th trip to the NCAA Championships which were held in Albuquerque, N.M.

Full Results

T14 Furman 305

T23 Blair Lamb 73

T40 Jackie Hilea 75

T51 Stefanie Kenoyer 76

T95 Brie Heinzler 81

T104 Liz Wendt 84