March 31, 2008

AMARILLO, Texas - The Lady Buffs sit in first place with a nine-stroke lead after a strong opening day at the Lady Buff Stampede presented by the Ryan Palmer Foundation on Monday. West Texas A&M sophomore Mollie Peterson leads the field individually with a five-shot advantage after firing a first round 75 in windy conditions at Tascosa Country Club.

Peterson, who shot a 41 on the front nine, got rolling on the back nine by firing a 34 on her way to the clubhouse to take card a 75 for the day and take the overall lead. Central Oklahoma's Maria Jimenez sits in second place after shooting an opening round 80.

WT's Lacy Torbert also enjoyed a solid day one, turning in an 82 (36-46=82) to sit in fourth place overall, just three shots ahead of teammate Whitney Osborne (40-45=85), who concluded the round in seventh place.

Junior Stephanie Boldger ended Monday in a tie for 15th place after a round of 88, while sophomore Christal Kendrick (48-48=96) enters the final round in a tie for 37th. Participating as an individual, WT's Kaylee Zaiontz shot an opening round 86 (41-45).

The Lady Buffs will attempts to capture their second tournament title of the season when they retake the course at Tascosa Country Club on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.