KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. – Ansley Bowman shot an even-par 72 to lead the Georgia Southern women's golf team into a tie for 20th after the first round of the Kiawah Island Spring Classic Sunday at Osprey Point Golf Club.

Bowman is tied for 17th, and the Eagles are tied for 20th heading into tomorrow's second round. The field features 49 teams and 254 individual competitors, making it the largest tournament in collegiate golf. 

Half the field, including the Eagles, played Osprey Point today, and the other half played Oak Point, with the teams set to switch courses tomorrow. Osprey Point, which is the longer course, played an average of over five strokes easier than Oak Point in today's round. 

The top-24 teams after tomorrow's second round advance to the championship round at Osprey Point, while teams 25-49 play for a flight championship at Oak Point.

Natalie Petersen shot a 76 and is tied for 91st, while Ella Ofstedahl posted a 77 and is tied for 109th. Coastal Carolina leads the field, followed by Delaware, while Tulsa and Stetson are tied for third. 

Bowman is four shots off the lead and tied with 19 other competitors. The Eagles are tied with Boston University, two shots inside the top-24. 

Scores
Ansley Bowman – 72 (E), T17
Natalie Petersen – 76 (+4), T91
Ella Ofstedahl – 77 (+5), T109
Julianna Collett – 79 (+7), T139
Sarah Noonan – 81 (+9), T181
Team – 314 (+16), T20

Quotables from Coach Emily Kuhfeld
"The team finished strong today, and we are proud of the bounce back we saw from Jules and Natalie. Tomorrow we have some work to do and will be looking to capitalize on the par 5s and make some more birdies to get into contention for the last day. Ansley played steady today, and we are looking forward to competing tomorrow."

Next Up
The second round is set for tomorrow, and the Eagles will play Oak Point. GS is paired with Jacksonville State and will tee off holes 7-9 at 1:30 p.m.