Feb. 25, 2007

LAKELAND, Fla. - The nation's fifth ranked West Florida Argonauts look to capitalize on their recent win at the Lady Falcon Invitational on Feb. 19-20, with another strong showing at the Lady Moc Classic hosted by first ranked Florida Southern. West Florida is in a tie for sixth with 13th ranked Florida Gulf Coast after the first round.

The Argonauts shot a 316 through 18 holes. Round two is tomorrow and round three is Tuesday. Second ranked Lynn has a 305, and Florida Southern is four shots off the pace at 309. Fourth ranked Nova Southeastern is third with a 310. Sixth ranked Barry has a 313, and third ranked Rollins is fifth at 315. Florida Gulf Coast and UWF is five shots ahead of CSU-Monterey Bay. Florida Tech, 10th ranked Drury, Northern Kentucky, Florida Southern "B" Team, Saint Leo and Eckerd round out the field.

Clara Fornella and Sarah Nicholson paced UWF through 18 holes by shooting a 77 (+5) each. They are in a tie for 13th with Alicia Lawrence of Northern Kentucky and Caitlin Barry of Rollins. Fornella shot a front nine 34, which was good enough to put her in the lead. Vicky Jackson is in a tie for 23rd with a 79. Natalia Espinosa shot an 83 and is tied for 47th. Laura Smith is tied for 60th with an 88.

The Lady Moc Classic is being held at the par 72 - 5,997 yard Cleveland Heights Golf Club in Lakeland, Fla.