Pegram sits in first place after opening round of The Melee

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Averett University's Meredith Pegram continued her strong play Sunday, finishing the opening round of The Melee at 3-over par to take a four-stroke lead.

Pegram, competing as Averett's lone representative, got off to a fast start with back-to-back birdies on holes Nos. 2 and 3.

Pegram carried that momentum through the remainder of the round, carding 11 pars to finish atop the individual leaderboard.

Salisbury University's Krista Brosius sits in second place at 7-over par, four strokes behind Pegram.

Brosius recorded 12 pars in the opening round to remain within striking distance heading into Monday's final round.

Pegram entered the tournament riding a streak of three consecutive top-10 finishes, including back-to-back top-five performances.

The junior from Reidsville, North Carolina, is in position to capture her first collegiate tournament title.

Averett returns to action for the final round Monday, Oct. 19.