University of Kentucky?s women?s golf team ended first round play in 11th ahead of SEC teams Alabama and Tennessee at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship in Knoxville, Tenn. The Lady Vols are currently ranked 12th/21st by Golf World/Golfweek. Leading the Cats for the third straight tournament of the fall season is freshman Beth Felts at +2, tied for 13th after the first 18 holes of the three day tournament.

Junior Ali Kicklighter is in second for the Cats after shooting five-over for the first round. Katie Dixon is one shot back from Kicklighter at six-over and Alanna Silvertrust one shot back from Dixon at seven-over, playing as an individual. Crestview Hills, Ky. native, Emily Culbertson fired an 83 for the Cats with Elizabeth Dotson finishing the day shooting an 81 for the first round.

Leading the tournament is the University of Arkansas at five-over (289). Kent State?s Gabby Wedding is atop the player leader board tied for first at one-under with Michigan State?s Mandi McDonnell and Tulsa?s Leisel Hasbrouck.

The tournament is a three day, 54-hole event hosted by the University of Tennessee at the Cherokee Country Club. The course the Cats will face this weekend is 5,932 yards, par 71. Both Saturday and Sunday?s play will begin at 8:30 a.m.