Mercedes Germino

Flashes falter, stand in tie for 16^th place

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Kent State women's golf team was unable to get off on the right foot in the first round of the Lady Gator Invitational, hosted by the University of Florida at Mark Bostick Golf Course.

The Golden Flashes were unable to string together solid rounds on the par-70 course, as Kent State is tied for 16^th. But the squad is just seven strokes from a tie for 10^th place. The tournament field features 13 of the nation's top 50 programs.

Senior Mercedes Germino (Necochea, Argentina) leads the team with a six-over 76, despite a pair of birdies and a two-over 37 on the front nine.

After a steady start on the front nine where she was one over after a birdie on the par-4 No. 9, freshman Jennifer Ha (Calgary, Alberta) was unable to keep pace and finished with a seven-over 77.

Senior Mandi Morrow (Kent, Ohio) leveled out after a tumultuous front nine to shoot a one-under 34 on the back nine to post an eight-over 78. Also carding a 78 was junior Jackie Yanch (Barrie, Ontario).

Sophomore Erin Hawe (Walton, New Zealand) shot a nine-over 79 to round out the team's effort, while senior Shamira Marshall (Macedonia, Ohio) turned in a 10-over 80 playing as an unattached individual.

Second-ranked Alabama leads the field by two strokes with a four-over 284. Georgia's second-place effort is paced by individual leader Emilie Burger's three-under 67.

Kent State begins Saturday's second round at 9 a.m. from the 10^th tee.