PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – The SC State women are in second place after the first 18 holes of the 54-hole PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship being played at the PGA Golf Course. The Lady Bulldogs carded an 18-hole team total of 324, 19 strokes behind leader Bethune-Cookman, which opened the tournament with a 305 on the Ryder Course.

Defending champion Texas Pan American and Hampton were in a tie for third at 329, followed by Texas Southern at 337. Lincoln, which rounded out the six-team women's field, was at 351.

Bethune-Cookman's Patrizia led the field overall with an even par 72 after 18 holes. She was followed by teammate Andrea Orozco who was two over par with a 74.

Leading the way for the Lady Bulldogs and Coach Sandy Burris was freshman Cheryl Chua who carded a 7-over par 79 and was the only SC State player to break 80. She was followed by junior Cabriel Duren with an 81, and freshman Cherie Chua and sophomore Tiana Jones, both at 82. Also participating for SC State was graduate student Carmen Jones, who shot an 83.

The second round of the 54-hole event gets underway Saturday at 7:30 a.m.
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