WILLIAMSBURG, Va.— Two Cougars are tied for seventh and the Averett University women's golf team is tied for first place overall following Sunday's first round of The Melee hosted by Premier Collegiate Tournaments at Ford's Colony Country Club. The Cougars shot a collective 50-over-par on the par-72, 5,552-yard Blue Heron Course.

Senior Sophia Marshall and sophomore Meredith Pegram both shot 9-over 81s during the first 18 holes to put them in a tie for seventh place overall. Pegram's day was highlighted by three birdies on the back nine. Senior Madison Masoudpour is three shots back in a tie for 11th. Senior Hannah Walton is also in the top 24 at 20-over, while junior Cooper Perryman is at 23-over entering Monday's final round.

Averett is tied with Pfeiffer University atop the leaderboard, with the two schools holding a four-stroke lead. Pfeiffer's Kristyn Page shot an even-par 72 to put her in a five-stroke lead after the first day.