Pioneers Build Big Lead After Opening Round at UPIKE Fall Invite

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – The Spartanburg Methodist College women's golf team holds a commanding 22-stroke lead at the UPIKE Fall Invite after posting a 346 (+58) in Monday's opening round. Four Pioneers sit inside the top 10 and are in contention for individual medalist honors.

Sophomore Isabella Marz leads the way for SMC, sitting in second place after carding an 81 (+9). Marz recorded two birdies and seven pars in her round and trails Pikeville's Kaitlyn Stepp by just two strokes for the individual lead.

Sophomore Adeline Todd is close behind in third place after shooting an 85 (+13), highlighted by birdies on two of her final three holes along with five pars. Junior Melanie Meredith is tied for sixth with Bluefield's Savannah Riley after posting an 88 (+16) that included one birdie and four pars.

Also in the top 10 is sophomore Gracelyn Toler, who stands in 10th place with a 92 (+20), carding six pars—three on the front nine and three on the back nine. Rounding out the lineup, Freshman Tinsley McDaris shot a 111 (+39), highlighted by a par on the par-4 No. 3 hole.

The Pioneers will tee off in Tuesday's final round at 8:30 a.m. as they look to secure the team and individual titles.