RICHMOND, Ky. – The Belmont women's golf team struggled in Friday's first round and stand in 12th place after 18 holes of the EKU Colonel Classic held at the University Club at Arlington in Richmond, Kentucky.
The heavy rain from Thursday forced the start of play on Friday to be pushed back to mid-morning and that late start forced officials to shorten the tournament to a 36-hole event, 18 holes on Friday and 18 holes on Saturday.
The Bruins struggled to find birdies in round one and finished the day with a team score of 318, good for 12th place. Western Kentucky has the team lead at 297, while Akron is second at 298.
Belmont is being led by junior Emma Kate Liu and freshman Maribeth Peevy. Each carded a six-over par 78 to finish the round tied for 38th place. They are eight shots behind individual leader Mary Joiner of Western Kentucky, who shot a 70.
Other Belmont scores from round one included: sophomore Carlee Nanney (T-59, 80), senior Mallory Sullivan (T-69, 82), and freshman Ann Catherine Blackburn (T-81, 85).
Two Bruins are competing as individuals. Sophomore Julia Nittoli is tied for 79th with an 84, while senior Maddie Williams is tied for 87th at 91.
The second and final round will begin Saturday morning with an 8:00am shotgun start.
