PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. – Julianna Collett shot a 2-over-par 73, and Emma Bell posted a 74 to lead the Georgia Southern women's golf team in the first round of the Callaway Gardens Invitational Monday afternoon at Callaway Gardens Lake View Course.

Middle Tennessee (+4) leads the tournament, Central Arkansas (+5) is second, and Troy (+7) and UAB are tied for third. Georgia Southern is in seventh place, five strokes behind Little Rock in fifth.

Collett (+2) is tied for 12th, and Bell (+3) is tied for 19th. Kaysie Harrelson shot a career-best 76, while Abby Newton and Hailey Katona each posted a 77 in their collegiate debuts. Ella Ofstedahl carded a 78. 

The story
Collett birdied the first hole and posted six pars on the front to make the turn at 1-over. The senior made birdie at 12, 13 and 17 to shoot 2-over for the day. Bell made two birdies in the round and shot a 1-over 37 on the front.

Scores
Team – 300 (+16), 7
Julianna Collett – 73 (+2), T12
Emma Bell – 74 (+3), T19
Kaysie Harrelson – 76 (+5), T32
Abby Newton – 77 (+6), T40
Hailey Katona – 77 (+6), T40
Ella Ofstedahl – 78 (+7), T48

Quotables from Coach Emily Kuhfeld
"A shout out to Jules and Emma who hung in there today and turned in some solid rounds! There is a lot of golf left, and we are looking to capitalize a bit more on our opportunities tomorrow. We are chomping at the bit to get back out there in the morning!"

Up Next
The second round is set for tomorrow.