KEVIN JENISON

GoSycamores.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Indiana State women's golf team returned to action in a big way, taking the lead after the first round of the Birmingham Southern College Ann Rhoads Invitational Sunday. The second and final round will be played Monday.

The Sycamores are in control of the team race as they posted a team total of 311 in the opening round. Harding University is in second at 321 with Methodist University third at 325 and the University of Montevallo fourth at 334.

“It was a good start to the spring season,” Greg Towne, Indiana State women's golf coach, said. “Definitely a good performance in 40 degrees especially since our last round was in October.”

Senior Reece Feducia, who missed the fall season, returned to competition with a solid performance and currently stands second with an opening round 75. Junior McCall Christopher is currently third with a 77 while senior Emily Dixon is tied for fourth with a 78.

Also scoring for Indiana State are sophomore Gina Della Camera who is tied for 11th with an 81, and senior Christina Beyerl, who is tied for 21st with an opening round of 85. Sophomore Erinn Sutton is tied for 34th after an opening round 93.

“We started with a couple of triples,” Towne said. “But Gina had a nice back nine (38) and McCall had five birdies after an opening with a triple. Reece was even all day before settling with a 75 and Emily was solid all day as usual.”

Harding University's Brittany Marquez is leading the field after shooting a one-under 71 for the opening round.

 “I was proud of everyone,” Towne said. “They were much more calm and confident. I am starting to believe that they are good.”

The tournament is being played on the par 72, 5,802 yard Oxmoor Valley golf Course in Birmingham, Ala., which is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.