Sept. 9, 2007

HANAHAN, S.C. -- University of North Carolina women's golfers Kate Thomas and Lauren Hunt, who is defending her victory from last year, lead the Tar Heels in the first round of the Cougar Classic. Kate Smith shot an even-par 72 and Hunt scored a one-over 73. The Tar Heels collectively shot a seven-over 295, putting them in ninth place. The Tar Heels are nine shots shy of the lead.

The University of Alabama and Louisiana State University are tied for the lead after shooting two-under 286. Close behind is Notre Dame after firing one-under 287. Texas and Tennessee round out the top five and are even par.

Lisa Maunu of Notre Dame has a two-stroke lead going into day two after carding a six-under 66. Fiona Puyo of College of Charleston is tied with Whitney Wright of Florida State at four-under par. Kathleen Ekey of Alabama, Marci Turner of Tennessee, and Amalie Valle of LSU are in a three-way tie for fourth after all shooting three-under par.

While Thomas and Hunt led the Tar Heels, Ann Laney, a senior from Charlotte, N.C., carded a two-over 74 and is tied for 35th place. Junior Sydney Crane of Jamestown, N.C. struggled on the par fives, but still shot a four-over 76 and is tied for 54th. Senior Colette Lowe, from Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., fired a five-over 77 and is tied for 62nd.

The 54-hole event continues through Tuesday and is being played at Yeamans Hall Golf Club, , which features a par 72, 6,159 -yard layout.