Two Tigers in top 10 at Bryan National Collegiate

April 3, 2015

Kelli Murphy shot an even-par 72 in Friday's opening round at the Bryan National Collegiate. (Wade Rackley photo)

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Two Auburn women's golfers were in the individual top 10, and the Tigers found themselves just two shots off the lead after 18 holes of play Friday at the Bryan National Collegiate.

Auburn shot a first-round 299 (+11) at the Bryan Park Champions Course and is in third place, just two shots behind first-round leader Virginia (+9) and one back of tournament host Wake Forest (+10).

"It was a very solid day for us," Auburn head coach Kim Evans said. "Kelli, Alex and Vic really had great days while battling very windy conditions. We're looking forward to tomorrow."

Freshman Kelli Murphy led the way for Auburn in the tournament's opening round, posting an even-par 72 to tie for fourth place after 18 holes. Murphy made the turn at 1-under after birdies at the seventh and ninth holes, then remained in red numbers through 17 holes after a bogey at 13 and a birdie at 15. A bogey at the 18th dropped her to even par.

Junior Alex Harrell recorded four birdies on the day and finished with a 1-over-par 73 to stand in a tie for seventh place through one round. Harrell recorded birdies at the sixth, ninth, 11th and 15th to offset five bogeys, then finished with three straight pars. Senior Victoria Trapani shook off an opening double-bogey and was just plus-1 over her last 17 holes to shoot 75 (+3); she is tied for 22nd place.

Wake Forest's Allison Emrey leads the tournament after an opening 69 (-3). Only three players broke par in the first round.

Auburn will be paired with Wake Forest and Virginia for the second round and will tee off at 8:50 a.m. CT on the No. 1 tee. Live scoring is available at golfstatresults.com.