April 16, 2006

GREENVILLE, N.C. (SMU) - All five SMU competitors are in the top 14 individually and the Mustangs are just six shots out of the team lead following the opening round of the Conference USA Women's Golf Championship at the par-72, 6,221-yard Ironwood Golf & Country Club.

SMU opened its inaugural C-USA Championship by carding a 298 as a team, good for fourth and just six shots back of leader UTEP (292). Individually, Lacey Jones leads SMU at 1-over 73 and is tied for sixth. All four other SMU golfers - Laura Cross, Kate Ackerson, Jennifer Ackerson and Kristina Rothengatter - are tied for 14th at 3-over 75.

Second-round action begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, with the final round teeing off at the same time on Tuesday. The winner of the C-USA Championship receives an automatic berth to the NCAA Regionals.

 Conference USA Women's Golf Championship Team StandingsFollowing One Round1.  UTEP - 2922.  Tulsa - 2953.  East Carolina - 2974.  SMU - 2985.  UCF - 3036t. Memphis - 3106t. UAB -3108.  Marshall - 3129.  Southern Miss - 321