Oct. 24, 2003

DESTIN, Fla. – The Kentucky women’s golf team sits in a tie for eighth place after the first round of the ACC/SEC Challenge in Destin, Fla. The Cats finished the day with a team score of 311 in the 12-team tournament.

Leading the way for the Cats is junior Katie Dixon, who shot an impressive two-over 73 en route to a 13th place performance in the first round. Marissa Muir and Eva Gessner both shot a 78 at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to finish in a tie for 34th, while Erin Faulkner (82) and Emily Culbertson (85) rounded out the lineup for the Cats.

Dixon currently sits six shots out of first place, which is occupied by Duke’s Virada Nirapathpongporn. The Blue Devils are also atop the leader board with three individuals in the top-five, followed by SEC teams Auburn and Florida.

The Cats return to tournament action tomorrow with the second of three rounds. Results will be available at www.ukathletics.com.

Team Scores:
1.Duke276
2.Auburn289
3.Florida295
4.North Carolina298
Wake Forest301
8.Kentucky311

Individual:
1.Virada Nirapathpongporn, Duke67
2. Maria Martinez, Auburn68
3.Elizabeth Janagelo, Duke69
Anna Grzebien, Duke69
5. Darby Sligh, Alabama70
Jennifer Head, Auburn70

UK Finishers:
T-13Katie Dixon 73
T-34Marissa Muir78
T-34Eva Gessner 78
T-53Erin Faulkner82
T-57Emily Culbertson85