Georgia State grasped an opening day two-stroke lead after 36 holes Monday in the 16th Annual John Kirk/Panther Intercollegiate, edging out Furman and East Tennessee State University in the 13-team field. The final 18 holes of the event, hosted by Georgia State at the 6,074 yard par 72 Eagle's Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Ga, will take place Tuesday.

Furman's Stefanie Kenoyer carded an opening day 73-69=142 for the individual 36-hole lead. Georgia State senior Anna Scott fired a 70-74=144 (even par) along with Sandra Maier's 74-70=144 (even par) to lead the No. 36-ranked Panthers and tie for second overall. Furman's Blair Lamb and Chattanooga's Moa Duf were tied for fourth with identical 145 scores.

Georgia State shot a morning round 297 and improved in the afternoon with a three-over par 291 for its opening day 588 total. Furman posted the best round of the day with a two-over 290 in the afternoon after its 300 in the morning for a 590. East Tennessee State had a morning 297 to tie State for the 18-hole lead and came back with an afternoon 293.

Chattanooga held down the fourth spot with its 300-295 for 595 to sit just seven strokes back of the host Panthers. Campell was in the sixth position at 604, four shots ahead of Jacksonville State. The three teams in places 7, 8 and 9 were two strokes apart with Augusta State at 611, UNC Greensboro at 612 and Miami at 613. Rounding out the field were Elon, Western Carolina, Maryland and James Madison.

Georgia State's Cathrine Madsen sits tied for eighth place (76-72=148), Charlotte Lorentzen rests in 26th place (77-75=152) and Iliska Verwey finished in 49th (78-81=159). Claire Starkie played as an individual and posted a 76-78 for a first-day 154.

The Panthers are defending champs of this event, claiming an extra-hole win over Jacksonville State last year.

Full scores will be available shortly at www.GeorgiaStateSports.com.