Steward in Lead after First Round of John Kirk/Panther Intercollegiate

March 31, 2008

Stockbridge, Ga. – University of Miami golfer Jessica Steward shot a one-under par 72 on the course at Eagle’s Landing Country Club to finish round one in a tie for first place at Georgia State’s John Kirk/Panther Intercollegiate on Monday.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

Buoyed by a three-under par performance on the front nine, Steward finished day one in a tie for the lead with Sandra Maier of host <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>GeorgiaState.

Miami’s Maria Ronderos shot three-over par (76) to finish the day in a tie for eighth place, as the Hurricanes completed the first round in 11^th place with a team score of 326. GeorgiaState grabbed the team lead with a combined score of 300, while JacksonvilleState sits eight strokes back in second place (308).

UM’s Christina Hirano fired off an 80 on Monday and is in a tie for 30^th place, while Brook Stuart is in 79^th place after shooting a 98.

The final two rounds of the 36-hole tournament are scheduled for Tuesday, beginning at 8:30 a.m.