With a 24-birdie first day at the Lady Pirate Intercollegiate, Georgia State's women's golf team sits in third place in the 18-team field.

Georgia State posted a 6-over 294 on the second 18 holes, the third-lowest score of the day, and rose from sixth place after the morning-round 303 total.

Junior Julie Lied fired a 1-under 71 on the afternoon round to lead the charge. Lied's 5-over 149 ties teammate Lauren Court and Emily Royer at 149 for 11th place in the 95-golfer field.

The Panthers' 597 total trails only No. 33 GRU-Augusta (588) and No. 51 Kennesaw State (594). Old Dominion is fourth at 600, with No. 34 host East Carolina in fifth (602) and No. 44 MTSU in sixth (605).

Coach Cathy Mant was most impressed with the adversity overcome today. "Julie Lied was being treated by the host trainer after what we think was a weekend insect bite, had her leg wrapped and was taking something to try to limit the swelling and itching, but she pulled through the 10-hour day in amazing style. And, Emily Royer got sick and we helped her through some bathroom trips to overcome her illness. It wasn't a simple day of showing up and playing golf. So, I am really proud of their determination, effort and commitment first."

"Everyone struck the ball well today, kept the ball in the fairways, hit the greens and for the most part, made their shots," Mant noted. "We didn't get off to a good start with some bogeys and double-bogeys, but we stuck with it and the scores started improving."

NOTEBOOK:

• Senior Lauren Court had her best rounds of the fall season with a 75 and 74, while freshman Emily Royer continues her early-season solid play with a 74 and 75.
• Sophomore Jooeun Bae had her best rounds of the fall with a 76 and 74 to rise to 18th overall with her 150 score. Sophomore Solene Le Coz posted rounds of 79 and 76 to gain confidence.
• GSU had 15 birdies in the afternoon round to follow the nine birdies in the opening round.
• The Panthers are competing against two Sun Belt opponents in Appalachian State (12th place) and Western Kentucky (10th place).
• The teams tee off Tuesday morning for the final 18 holes.