EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Kelly Merkel led the Tennessee State women's golf team on day one of the SIUE Doubletree Intercollegiate. The freshman shot a 12-over 84 on the Par-72, 6,025 yard course at Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville, Ill. on a beautiful 76 degree day.

Merkel recorded ten pars on the day and is tied for ninth with four other golfers. The Columbia, Tenn. product is six strokes behind co-leaders Savanna Schubert of Lipscomb and Cassie Rushing from Southern Illinois, who are at 6-over.

Amelia Dap recorded a birdie on the par-4 eighth hole on her way to a 92 on Monday. Dap is 14 strokes off the lead heading into the final day of competition.

Sarah Needleman is tied for 57th with Evansville's Kelly Lamarche after carding a 97.

The final round is scheduled for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.