KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (SMU) – Senior Lindsey McCurdy led the SMU women's golf team on day one of the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship carding a 3-under 139, including seven birdies, to place her in a tie for fourth place. As a team, the Mustangs sit seventh, a two-spot improvement from the day's first round.

"The team looked good in both rounds, but played a little looser in the second round," head coach Jeanne Sutherland said. "Overall, they were trying to be perfect in the first round, but did a good job bouncing back in the second round. I'm pleased with how they played and it was fun to watch."

Illinois leads the field at 5-under 563, while Kent State (+1) and Florida (+2) round out the top three. American Athletic Conference foe Memphis sits 13th. Kent State's Pimnipa Panthong sits atop the individual leaderboard at 7-under.

McCurdy fired a 68 to open the tournament, and followed it up with an even par 71. Her seven birdies were tied for the third most in the event. Sophomore Brigitte Dunne (72-72--144) is also inside the top 20 of the 81 player field in a five-way tie for 19th.  

"Lindsey had a great day today and really hit the ball well," Sutherland said. "She made her share of putts and had a great attitude."

Senior Katie Page posted an impressive second round bouncing back from an opening round 76 with a 1-under 70. Freshman Kenzie Wright also improved her score by nine strokes from the first round carding a 71 in the day's closing round. Classmate Faith Summers (78-79--157) is also representing the Mustangs in the team's first tournament.

As a team, the Mustangs' second round 284 was second only to Kent State by one stroke.

Play continues Tuesday with the third, and final, round. Check SMUMustangs.com or follow the Mustangs on social for tee times.

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Team Standings
1. Illinois -5, 563
2. Kent State +1, 569
3. Florida +2, 570
4. Maryland +7, 575
T5. BYU +8, 576
T5. Tennessee +8, 576

Individual Standings
1. Pimnipa Panthong (Kent State)  -7, 135
T2. Blakesly Warren (Tennessee) -4, 138
T2. Stephanie Miller (Illinois) -4, 138
T4. Lindsey McCurdy (SMU) -3, 139
T4. Kelly Grassel (Florida) -3, 139

Mustang Golfers
T4. Lindsey McCurdy -3, 139
T19. Brigitte Dunne +2, 144
T28. Katie Page +4, 146
T57. Kenzie Wright +9, 151
74. Faith Summers +15, 157