2009 NCAA Golf Championships - Day One

Belles Start Strong at NCAA Championships

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - The Saint Mary's College golf team is currently tied for fifth place with a 322 after the first of four days of competition at the NCAA Division III women's golf championships. The Belles entered the tournament as the 17th ranked team in the Championships.

Leading the 21-team field so far is the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a 312. Top-ranked Wisconsin-Stevens Point and fourth-ranked Gustavus Adolphus currently share fifth place with Saint Mary's.

The Belles were led by sophomore Emily Gore's five-over-par 77, which currently puts her in a tie for ninth place overall in the field of 111 golfers. Two strokes behind with a 79 was Mary Kate Boyce, who is tied for 19th.

Rosie O'Connor was the next finisher for the Belles with an 82 for a share of 41st place. Freshman Natalie Matuszak finished just two strokes behind O'Connor with an 84 and is tied for 54th place. Senior Meredith Fantom shot a 92 in the first round for Saint Mary's as the Belles' fifth golfer.

The Belles will begin round two tomorrow at the Wanamaker Course of the PGA Village in Port St. Lucie at noon. To follow live results of the Championships, please visit www.golfstat.com.

Day One Results and Standings