Baton Rouge, La. ? Eva Gessner shot a 77 to open the 2004 Southeastern Conference women?s golf championships Friday at the par-72 University Club in Baton Rouge, La. The senior is currently tied with four others in 37th place while the Cats are in a tie for 11th place in the team standings with a score of 315 after 18 holes.

Gessner is currently eight shots off leader Violeta Retamoza of Tennessee, who jumped out to an early lead with a three-under 69. Auburn has a grasp on first-place team honors with a score of 292, three shots ahead of Vanderbilt. Amanda McCurdy of Arkansas is the only other student-athlete to shoot under par Friday with a one-under 71, while three competitors, including last year?s champion Aimee Cho, are at even par.

Marisa Muir recorded a team-best four birdies for UK Friday to end the round with a 78 and a tie for 42nd with Arkansas? Sarah Trew. Erin Faulkner (T-44) is among seven in the tournament to shoot a 79, while Katie Dixon (T-53) came in two shots behind Faulkner with a nine-over 81.

The Cats return to the tees tomorrow for the second round of the 54-hole tournament. Live action can be followed for all three rounds at www.golfstat.com.