LAKELAND, Fla. – The Saint Leo women’s golf team opened their 2011 championship season with a grueling 36 hole first day of the Lady Moc Classic as the Lions currently sit in sixth place.  The Lions shot a two-round total 313-329—642 and are just four strokes behind fifth-place Bradley University.

Saint Leo was led by senior Jordan Hatch who shot a two-round 74-81—155 and she headed to the clubhouse in 15th place.  In 21st sits junior Goeun Lee after shooting 79-80—159 in the first 36 holes.

Third on the Lions, and 36th overall is freshman Heather Petronis, who posted an 80-84—164, while junior Tricia Maloney carded 80-85—165 to finish the first day in 41st.

Senior Suzanne Ervin rounded out the Lions’ lineup in 50th place after a first day 86-84—170.

A record-setting round by Taylor Collins led to a record-setting round by tournament -leader Nova Southeastern University, and the Sharks are now hoping for a second straight title. Collins’ four-under par 68 in the second round helped top-ranked Nova set another tournament record with a team score of 290.

At the end of Monday’s first round, Nova held an 11-stroke lead over Belmont Abbey (NC), with Florida Southern sitting in third.

After Monday’s first round ran long, in part due to wind that was just strong enough to hamper play, there was some doubt as to whether round two could be completed before dark. To make it happen, the final two groups on the course teamed up, with all six golfers playing together for their final hole of the day.  Everything managed to get accomplished, setting up Tuesday’s final round.

The tournament, hosted by fellow Sunshine State Conference school Florida Southern is scheduled to complete its final round tomorrow.  Round three will tee off at 8:15 a.m. at the Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland, Fla.

Click here for first and second-round totals from host Florida Southern.

Portions courtesy of Florida Southern College Sports Information