KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C.—Austin Peay State University women's golf opened its spring slate Sunday at the Kiawah Island Classic, hosted by College of Charleston in a wide-spread event spanning three courses.
Sophomore Shelby Darnell was the top finisher for the Govs, posting a four-over 76 to earn a share of 87th in the mammoth 264-player field. She finished the day as the only Gov to record multiple birdies and led the way in par-4 scoring (4.13 strokes per hole).
Sophomore Taylor Dedmen was the only Gov at even-par on par-3 scoring attempts; she also led the way with 13 pars en route to an opening-round 79. Meghann Stamps' even-par back nine allowed her to salvage a difficult front for an 80 in the first round.
Junior Riley Cooper and freshman Payton Elkins rounded out the day for the Govs. Elkins joined Dedmen and Darnell to lead the Govs in par-5 scoring (5.20 strokes per hole), while Cooper's birdie on the 490-yard, par-5 at No. 17 was one of just 12 recorded on Sunday.
The Govs will tee off Monday morning for the second round of the event, paired with Youngstown State. The 9 a.m. (ET) shotgun start will see the Govs off Hole Nos. 9-11.
