HUMACAO, P.R. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's golf team is tied for first after the first round of the Puerto Rico Classic, hosted by Ball State at Palmas del Mar Golf Club.

Freshman Lulu Leetham posted her best round as a Spartan on Tuesday to lift UNCG into a first-place tie with Southern Miss after the first day of competition. She shot a three-under-par (69) and is tied for second on the player leaderboard.

TEAM

• The Spartans are one-under-par (287) after the first round, tied with Southern Miss for first place with two rounds and days remaining.
• This marks UNCG's first time finishing a round first on the team leaderboard since Sept. 18, 2023, when the Spartans were first after day one of the Elon Women's Invitational.
• The Spartans were the best team on par-five holes on Tuesday. On par fives, UNCG finished eight-under-par as a team with a 4.60 stroke average.
• Additionally, UNCG is second at eight-over-par on par fours with a 4.16 stroke average as a team.
• UNCG was one of three teams to score an eagle on day one thanks to Sophie Lauture's effort on the 10th hole.
• The Spartans are also second in pars (58) and tied for fourth in birdies (14).
• Regarding the other two Southern Conference (SoCon) teams in the field, Western Carolina is tied for seventh at nine-over-par (297) while Wofford is sharing 11th place at 18-over-par (306).

 
INDIVIDUAL

• Leetham is leading the Spartans and is tied for second at three-under-par (69). She is even on par threes and fours after round one and tied for fourth with five birdies.
• Sophomore Kasey McIlvaine is second for UNCG and tied for sixth at one-under-par (71). She is tied for second with 15 pars so far.
• Lauture is third on the team and tied for 11th at even-par (72). She is tied for sixth with 14 pars after round one.
• Junior Elle Burnette is fourth for the Spartans and tied for 30th at three-over-par (75).
• Senior Ava Romfo is tied for 50th on the player leaderboard at five-over-par (77).
• Competing individually, junior Julia Baeumken shot a four-over-par (76) on day one while senior Grace Holcomb posted a seven-over-par (79) for the day.
• James Madison's Hannah Rabb is alone in first at four-under-par (68).

PURCHASE UNCG GEAR
Click here for your one-stop shop for all of your official UNCG merchandise! From apparel to accessories, there is something for everyone!

UP NEXT
The Spartans will resume play with the second round of the Puerto Rico Shootout beginning on Wednesday with another shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. ET.