Oct. 9, 2015

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. ââ’¬” South Carolina women’s golf completed Day One of the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invitational at UNC Finley Golf Course on Friday, sitting in a tie for ninth place at 285 (+11). Duke currently leads the 18-team field, which features 13 teams in the top 50 of Golfweek’s preseason rankings, after posting a 285 (-3).

“We put forth a good effort today,” head coach Kalen Anderson said. “The team stayed tough in windy and wet conditions. We may see more of the same tomorrow, but I look for this group to be prepared and rise up in the adverse conditions.”

Sarah Schmelzel led the way for the Gamecocks with an opening-round 72 (E), placing her in a tie for fifth on the individual leaderboard. She fired two birdies on the back nine to earn her 25th-career round of par or better.

Junior Katelyn Dambaugh, along with sophomore Ainhoa Olarra, finished the day at 75 (+3), tied for 38th place. Freshman Isi Nilsson recorded a 77 (+5), the second-lowest round in her three tournaments thus far.

Freshman Gaby Amos was a late addition to the lineup by Anderson. Amos, a native of Gainesville, Fla., shot a first-round score of 80 (+8) in her first action as a Gamecock.

The Gamecocks play round two of the three-day event on Saturday. For live-updates, follow the team on Twitter (@GamecockWGolf).

SOUTH CAROLINA RESULTS
T5. Schmelzel 72 (E)
T38. Dambaugh 75 (+3)
T38. Olarra 75 (+3)
T60. Nilsson 77 (+5)
T83. Amos 80 (+8)

TEAM STANDINGS
1. Duke
2. Alabama
3. Louisville
1. North Carolina State
5. Michigan State
6. North Carolina
7. Virginia
8. Auburn
9. Tennessee
9. South Carolina