Oct. 13, 2006

Knoxville, Tenn. (SMU) - SMU junior Lacey Jones leads field by three strokes following the opening round of the Mercedes-Benz Women's Championship at the Cherokee Country Club.

Jones shot a blistering 31 on the front nine at the par 71, 5,932 yard course and finished the round at 4-under to lead Arkansas' Alex Schulte (-1) and the rest of the 81-person field.

As a team, SMU stands in an eighth-place tie at 20-over 304. Auburn leads the competition at 287.

Jennifer Ackerson is tied for 26th at 4-over 75, while sister Kate Ackerson is at 8-over 79 and is tied for 49th. Ashley Deatherage and Sarah Dodson also competed for the `Stangs and are tied for 69th at 12-over 83.

SMU stands in the middle of the pack despite playing without senior Laura Cross, who is sidelined after shoulder surgery. Coach Todd Selders said Cross may redshirt, but will be reevaluated in the spring.

The tournament runs through Sunday, with the players covering 18 holes each day. For live updates, click here.