Women's Golf Tied for Fifth at A-Sun Championship

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - The Mercer women's golf team finished round one of the 2010 Atlantic Sun Championship tied with Jacksonville for fifth place among the ten-team field. Both the Bears and Dolphins recorded team scores of 305 (+17) on Monday at the Venetian Bay Golf Club.

Mercer trails No. 49 Campbell (301) by just four strokes while FGCU (294) finished day one atop the leaderboard. Freshman Kimmy Graff and sophomore Alicia Poole both fired 75's on day one and sit in a tie for 12th place individually.

"The girls played better today, but are still far from our potential," Mercer head coach Gary Guyer said. "Our goal for each round is to shoot a score of 300. We shot 305 today so we are getting closer."

Poole played steady golf throughout the day, paring 13 of 18 holes while tallying a birdie. Graff notched three birdies and was even-par before recording a triple-bogey on the final hole of the day.

"Alicia played very consistent today in shooting a 75," Guyer said. "She is gaining confidence in herself with each round. Kimmy was even coming to hole No. 18 and had a little hiccup. She is capable of going very low."

Mercer senior Monica Kelsey carded a five-over, 77 on day one while freshman Aurelie Wiriath needed 78 strokes to complete the 6,200 yard course. Kelsey entered the clubhouse tied for 21st place while Wiriath shares 25th place with two other golfers.

"Monica was solid in her round as always," Guyer said. "Aurelie scored well even with hitting three balls out of bounds."

Freshman Kaitlin Marrin also competed on Monday, shooting 91 to place 48th place individually.

"Kaitlin's swing was off today, but nobody workers harder than her," Guyer said. "I know she will bounce back with a good round tomorrow."

Tuesday's action begins at 8 a.m. Marrin is slated to tee off first for the Bears at 9:20 a.m.