May 11, 2000

Columbus, OH - The Wake Forest women's golf team completed the first day of the NCAA East Regional at Ohio State's Scarlet Course, placing 16th in a field of 24 teams. The Deacs shot a 310 on the first day of play and are only 15 strokes back from tournament leader Purdue.

Freshman Maria Beautell, of the Canary Islands, Spain, led the way for Wake, shooting a 76 to tie for 33rd place. Junior Marta Prieto, senior Kelly Kirwin and sophomore Katie Brenny each shot a 6-over 78 and are tied for 66th place heading into tomorrow's second round. Nuria Clau, a freshman from Barcelona, Spain, finished the first round in a tie for 91st with an 80.

Purdue leads the field with a 7-over 295, while North Carolina's Marcy Newton finished round one as the top individual with a 5-under 65. The regional tournament will continue on Friday, May 12, with the final round to be played Saturday. The top 11 teams and three individuals will advance to the NCAA Championships, May 24-27, in Sunriver, OR.