PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. – With three Governors at par or better after the first round, Austin Peay State University women's golf is in the top-five following 18 holes at the Golfweek Program Challenge at Caledonia Fish & Golf Club. 

The Govs posted a team 282, equaling the second-best 18-hole team total in program history and just three shots behind the program-record 279 set at the Golfweek event in 2022. That places the Govs in a tie for fourth alongside Old Dominion, Troy and Memphis and one shot ahead of Coastal Carolina heading into the second round of play. High Point leads the way after an opening-round 273. 

The Govs got an outstanding season debut from junior Abby Jimenez, shot a blistering 33 on the front nine and secured one of just five eagles during the round on the 375-yard par-4 at No. 16 to send her into the clubhouse with a two-under 69 and a share of ninth place. 

Sophomore Ella Arnzen was one shot behind Jimenez with an opening-round 70, leading the Govs with four birdies in the round, including back-to-back birds at Nos. 13 and 14. Senior Jillian Breedlove's even-par 71 included some of the most consistent ball-striking in the field; she leads all players with 16 pars after the opening round. 

Sophomore Jordin Cowing opened her second season as a Gov with a 72, including one of just 19 birdies out of 120 competitors on the 516-yard par-5 on hole No. 2. Senior Abby Hirtzel also birdied the monster on No. 2, making Austin Peay one of just four programs in the 23-team field with multiple birdies off the second hole; Hirtzel fired an opening-round 75 to begin her senior campaign. 

Round two of the Golfweek Program Challenge kicks off at 7:25 a.m. (CT), Tuesday, from Caledonia. The Govs will be paired with Troy, Memphis and Coastal Carolina on the second day of competition.