October 29, 2005
Martin, Lady Monarchs take 19-stroke lead at NCAA Divison III Preview

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. – Getting an early feel for the course which will play host to the 2006 NCAA Division III Women’s Golf National Championship, the Methodist Lady Monarchs gave the competition an early glimpse of what could happen in the spring.

Playing winds of almost 30 mph, Methodist jumped out to a 19-stroke lead after the first round of the NCAA Division III Preview on Saturday at Mission Inn/El Campeon. The Lady Monarchs shot a 333 in the first round to take a comfortable lead over Southwestern (352) in the 11-team event. Mary Hardin-Baylor is third at 359, followed by Allegheny in fourth at 361 and Oglethorpe is fifth at 365.

Individually, junior Heather Martin is the tournament’s leader after the first round for Methodist with an 8-over-par 81. She holds a two-stroke lead over teammate Charlotte Williams and Susan Choi from Wellesley. In addition to Martin and Williams, Emily Ranney is tied for fourth for Methodist with an 84, while Katie Dick is tied for sixth with an 85.

Holly Knox is currently tied for 13th with an 88, and Colleen Walsh is tied for 18th with an 89.

The second and final round of the NCAA Division III Preview is set for Sunday.