CARMEL, Ind.?Led by the junior class the University of Kentucky women?s golf team turned in its best first round performance of the season holding on to a tie for fifth place after 18 holes at the Indiana Invitational on Monday at the Crooked Stick Golf Club.

UK leads three teams ranked in the top-50 in the country and is just 11 strokes off of the lead as they concluded day one of their final regular season tournament with an opening round score of 310 (+22).

The four Blue and White scorers are within three strokes of one another, led by juniors Beth Felts and Elizabeth Dotson. Felts carded the best round with a four-over-par 76, followed by Dotson?s 77. Freshman Erica Still fired a 78 and senior Katie Johnson turned in her fourth consecutive round in the 70s with a 79.

As a team Kentucky was responsible for seven birdies on the day to stay in the hunt for the tournament crown. Eleven teams are within 10 strokes of one another ensuring a thrilling final round being played tomorrow.

The tournament was originally set for 54-holes, but the format changed due to chilly temperatures. Golfers opened play with just 18 holes today, with another round of 18 slated to begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Live stats are available at www.golfstat.com. Complete coverage of the Wildcats? final round is available at www.ukathletis.com

AGATE?

1) Michigan State (299 +11)
2) Illinois (304 +16)
3) Texas (307 +19)
4) Michigan (308 +20)
T5) Kentucky (310 +22)
T5) Notre Dame (310 +22)
7) Northwestern (311 +23)
8) Indiana (312 +24)
9) Western Michigan (313 +25)
10) Oregon (314 +26)
11) Ball State (315 +27)
12) Minnesota (316 +28)
T13) Iowa (318 +30)
T13) Iowa State (318 +30)
15) Illinois State (322 +34)
16) UNLV (323 +35)
17) Penn State (327 +39)

Wildcat Scores?

T13 Beth Felts (76 +4)
T23 Elizabeth Dotson (77 +5)
T30 Erica Still (78 +6)
T40 Katie Johnson (79 +7)
T91 Marissa Muir (88 +16)