May 9, 2007

PACE, Fla. - The 2007 NCAA Division II Women's Golf National Championships commenced Tuesday at Stonebrook Golf Club. Playing under sunny and breezy conditions, top-ranked Florida Southern has the lead after the first round of competition.

Florida Southern, who won three consecutive national championships from 2000-2002, leads the eight-team field after shooting an opening round nine-over 297. Four-time defending national champion and second-ranked Rollins is nine strokes back in second place after shooting an 18-over 306.

Ferris State shot a 26-over 314 and stands in third place. Twenty-seventh ranked North Dakota is in fourth place with a 28-over 316, while 13th ranked Tarleton State is right behind in fifth place with a 29-over 317. Drury, the ninth-ranked team in the nation, shot a first round 31-over 319 to finish in sixth place. Fourteenth-ranked Northeastern State stands in seventh place after a 33-over 321, while 42nd ranked Truman State rounded out the field after a first round 42-over 330.

Three of the top five golfers in the standings after the first round are individuals. Nova Southeastern's Maria Garcia Austt is the individual leader after shooting a first round one-under 71. Lindsey Bergeon of Florida Southern, who finished second at nationals last year as an individual, is one of three golfers tied for second after an even par 72. Individuals Jessica Harbin of St. Mary's (Texas) and Daniela Iacobelli of Florida Tech also shot an even par 72. Florida Southern's Jackie Barenborg stands in fifth place after a one-over 73. Of the eight golfers playing as individuals, six are in the top 20 after the first round.

The second round will begin Thursday at 8:00 a.m. CST. Follow the action with live stats on the women's golf page of www.goargos.com.