FORT MYERS, Fla. – WKU senior golfer Georgina Blackman used the lowest conference
tourney round in program history to take sole possession of first place through one
round at the Conference USA Championship, while the Lady Toppers are tied for fifth
in the team standings after Monday’s opening day.
Blackman, an Essex, England, native, shot a season-low, 3-under 69 to open play at
the par-72, 6,194-yard Verandah Club.
That was the lowest 18-hole conference championship score in program history for
WKU, beating Ellinor Haag’s second-round 70 in 2016. Blackman is one stroke ahead of
UTSA’s Ana Gonzalez with two rounds to play.
Blackman opened her round at 3 under through six holes. After a rough start to the
back nine, she finished strong with birdies on her final two holes. Her six birdies
in the opening round were two more than anyone else in the field.
WKU is tied with Marshall for fifth as a team with a first-round total of 302. UTSA
leads the way at 294.
Lady Topper sophomore Mary Joiner is tied for 12th following a 3-over 75 in the
opening round, while freshman Megan Clarke is tied for 20th at 76.
Sophomore Bailey Tyree and senior Katie Story opened with an 82 and 83, respectively.
The second round will get underway Tuesday morning in Florida, with the final round
to follow Wednesday.
2018 Conference USA Championship First Day Results
1. Georgina Blackman (69)
T12. Mary Joiner (75)
T20. Megan Clarke (76)
T53. Bailey Tyree (82)
T56. Katie Story (83)