WAYNESVILLE, N.C. – In opening up the fall portion of their 2010-11 schedule, the 14th-ranked Saint Leo women’s golf team currently sits in 16th place in the Great Smokies Intercollegiate hosted by Western Carolina University at played at the Waynesville Inn and Golf Resort.

Leading the Lions through the first 18 holes was junior Goeun Lee and newcomer Heather Petronis, who are both tied for 29th place, each with a 3-over-75.  Both are six strokes out of the lead, which is currently held by Jacksonville State’s Luicia Fernandez and Alabama-Birmingham’s Jaime Ritter.

Trailing Jacksonville St. who leads the tournament with a first-round 289, the Lions’ combined 307 team score sees them just seven strokes out of fifth place, which is currently shared by four different teams.

Third on the team and 39th overall is senior Jordan Hatch with a first-round 76, a stroke behind her leading teammates.  Senior Suzanne Ervin posted an 81 and junior Tricia Maloney’s 84 rounded out the Lions lineup.

Saint Leo will conclude their visit to North Carolina with the final round that will commence on Sunday morning.  The Lions will look to improve their spot within the Division I-laden tournament lineup in the final 18 holes at the 5,922-yard course.