March 12, 2006

PINEHURST, N.C. - Kate Stepanek was second and Katie Trotter was third individually, leading the University of Maryland women's golf team to the first-round lead Sunday at the Pinehurst Challenge women's golf tournament.

Stepanek fired a 1-over-par 73 in the opening round, while Trotter posted a 72 to put a pair of Terrapins in the top three. Michelle Jarman of UNC Wilmington held the first-round lead with an even-par 72 on Sunday.

As a team, Maryland had a 302 total to take the lead by two shots over Mississippi State. Iowa, UNC Greensboro and the College of Charleston were seven shots back at 309.

Stepanek rallied for a 34 on the back nine to post her 73 on Sunday. Trotter turned the front nine in 36 and came home with a 74 to lead the Maryland effort.

Also for the Terrapins, Jessica Reno was tied for 17th after an opening-round 77, while Kelly Calkin and Kelly MacWhinnie each fired a 78 on Sunday to tie for 29th.

The Pinehurst Challenge continues with rounds on Monday and Tuesday.

TEAM STANDINGS
1. MARYLAND 302, 2. Mississippi State 304, 3. (tie) Iowa, UNC Greensboro, Coll. of Charleston 309, 6. (tie) Washington State, UNC Wilmington 311, 8. Winthrop 315, 9. (tie) East Carolina, Western Michigan 317, 11. (tie) Coastal Carolina, Miami 318, 13. Jacksonville State 319, 14. Xavier 320, 15, James Madison 323, 16. Arkansas State 327, 17. Scandinavia Amateur 328, 18. Marshall 339, 19. Charleston Southern 346.

MARYLAND FINISHERS
2. Kate Stepanek 39-34--73; 3. Katie Trotter 36-38--74; T17. Jessica Reno 38-39--77; T29. Kelly Calkin 39-39--78; T29. Kelly MacWhinnie 39-39--78.