Blue Devil Golfers Lead Mercedes-Benz After Day One

KNOXVILLE, TENN. - The Duke women's golf team continued its stellar play on Friday firing a first round 300 en route to a two-stroke lead over host Tennessee (302) at the Mercedes-Benz Women's Collegiate.

The Blue Devils were led by junior Candy Hannemann and freshman Leigh Anne Hardin, which shot a one-over-par 73 on day one at the Gettysvue Polo, Golf, & Country Club in Knoxville, Tenn. The duo are in tied for fifth position heading into round two on Saturday. Hannemann shot a 34-39 for 73, while Hardin tallied a 36-37=73. Both golfers are coming off co-medalist honors at the Franklin Street Trust Tar Heel Invitational.

Freshman Virada Nirapathpongporn shot a 76 (36-40) and is in tied for 15th, sophomore Maria Garcia-Estrada is in tied for 27th after shooting a 78 (37-41), and senior Kalen Anderson is in tied for 35th with a 79 (41-38).

Playing as an individual for the Blue Devils is sophomore Kristina Engstrom, who is in tied for fifth place overall (36-37=73). Rounding out the top five teams are Purdue (303), Louisiana State (304), and the Swedish Junior National Team (307).

Round two will begin at 8:30 A.M. on Saturday. The tournament is 54 holes ending on Sunday.