May 10, 2001

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Duke University opened this weekend's NCAA East Regional with a team total of two-under-par 286, led by Vira Nirapathpongporn's seven-under-par 65. Nirapathpongporn set the women's course record at Finley Golf Course and tied the overall course record, which was set by North Carolina sophomore Ramon Bescansa. Auburn finished the first day in second place at six-over-par 294, while Georgia is in third at nine-over-par 297. New Mexico and San Jose State round out the top five tied at 299. The Tar Heels are tied for 15th place with a total of 310.

Individually, Nirapathpongporn holds a five shot lead over Georgia's Laura Henderson who carded a two-under-par 70. Rebecka Heinmert of San Jose State is in third place after a one-under-par 71. Ryley Webb of New Mexico, Candy Hannemann of Duke, Danielle Downey and Kimberly Strong of Auburn, and Brooke Tull of TCU are knotted in fourth place at even par 72.

For the Tar Heels, Beth Lever led the way with a three-over-par 75 to finish the first round tied for 20th place. Shelley McKevitt opened with a four-over-par 76 and is tied for 33rd place, while Ashley Prange is tied for 65th place after a seven-over-par 79. Heather Angell is tied for 81st place with an 80, while Abby Spector rounds out the Tar Heels tied for 93rd after an 83.

The tournament is being held at North Carolina's Finley Golf Course, which features a par 72 6,211 yard layout.

TEAM STANDINGS (After 1st Round)

LEADING INDIVIDUALS (After 1st Round)

CAROLINA'S INDIVIDUALS