Oct. 24, 2003

Tallahassee, FL - The Wake Forest women's golf team took fifth place out of eleven teams in the first round of the ACC/SEC Challenge at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The Deacons fired a 17-over 301 in the first round of play. The team will play 54 holes during the three day event on the 5,937 yard, par 71 Raven Course at Sandestin.

Duke leads the tournament after firing a first round score of 276. All five Duke golfers finished in the top five, including leader V. Nirapathpongporn who shot a four-under 67. The Blue Devils lead second place and Auburn by 13 strokes. Auburn is looking to defend their title and take home the Commissioner's Cup for the second straight year. The ACC is yet to the Commissioner's Cup in the first three years of the tournament's history.

Individually, Deb Means led the Deacons with an opening round 73. The two-over par allowed her to finish the first day in 13th place. Christine Hallstrom and Amanda Goins are close behind her after each fired a four-over 75 to place tied for 18th. Shooting a seven-over 78 was Maggie Simons, who finished 34th on the day. Rounding out the scoring for the Deacons was Julie McKenna, who fired an opening round of 80 to put herself in 46th position.

The Demon Deacons will be back in action tomorrow for 18 more holes and will wrap up the tournament Sunday with the final 18.