BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. – The Samford women's golf team sits in fifth place after the opening round of the Southern Conference Championship, held Monday at the Columbia Country Club (Par 72, 6,150 yards).
 
As a team, Samford shot an 18-over-par 306 to place fifth in the nine-team field. Furman currently leads the tournament with a first-round total of 289.
 
Individually for Samford, senior Anika Richards led the way with a first-round score of three-over-par 75 to tie for 12^th in the 45-player field. Junior Gabi Nicastro is tied for 14^th with a score of 76, while senior Kate Joyner is tied for 19^th at 77.
 
Junior Grace Engel sits in a tie for 27^th with an opening-round total of 78. Senior Ella Stoll is currently in a tie for 40^th with a score of 85 in Monday's opening round.
 
The teams will continue the tournament with the second round Tuesday, with tee times starting at 7:30 a.m. (CT). Fans can follow the scores online at the following link: LIVE SCORING.
 
SAMFORD PLAYER SCORES
T-12. Anika Richards: 75 (+3)
T-14. Gabi Nicastro: 76 (+4)
T-19. Kate Joyner: 77 (+5)
T-27. Grace Engel: 78 (+6)
T-40. Ella Stoll: 85 (+13)
 
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For the latest news and information on Samford women's golf, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordWomensGolf (Facebook), @SamfordWomensGolf (Instagram) and @SamfordWGolf (Twitter).