Aug. 6, 2012

CLEVELAND — South Carolina junior Samantha Swinehart posted an even-par 72, while incoming freshman Sarah Schmelzel carded a 77 (+5) on Monday to open play at the 2012 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at The Country Club in Cleveland, Ohio.

Swinehart finished the day six shots off the lead in a tie for 16th and is in position to advance to match play with another steady round on Tuesday as only the top 64 golfers will make the cut. Schmelzel enters the final day of stroke play in a tie for 84th.

A native of Lancaster, Ohio, Swinehart recorded three birdies, three bogeys and 12 pars on the day. She had strong finish as she birdied the par 4 18th to head into the clubhouse at even par. Schmelzel wrapped up her round with two birdies, seven bogeys and nine pars.

Second-round play is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Swinehart will tee off in one of the first groups of the day at 8, while Schmelzel will play in the afternoon wave beginning at 2:20. Live scoring will be available by clicking here.