NORTH EAST, Pa. (September 17, 2021) -- Freshman Kesinee Prukmathakul (Bangkok, Thailand) turned in an opening-round 75 (+3) in her collegiate debut on Friday, to lead the Franklin Pierce University women's golf team to the first-round lead at the Evann Parker Memorial, hosted by Mercyhurst. The round was good enough to tie Prukmathakul for second, one shot off the lead, and led the Ravens to an opening 317 (+29) and a 10-shot lead at the midway point. The 11-team, 64-golfer tournament is being held at the par-72 Lake View Country Club.

After putting together the 317 opening-round score, the Ravens find themselves in fine position heading into Saturday's final round. Franklin Pierce is 10 shots in front of Charleston (W.Va.) at 327 (+39) and 16 shots ahead of third-place Gannon at 333 (+45). Host Mercyhurst is in fourth at 338 (+50).

On the individual side, both Prukmathakul and junior Alia Godek (Feeding Hills, Mass.) sit solidly in contention heading into Saturday. Prukmathakul's 75 is just one shot back of the first-round lead, held by Ursuline senior Dymphna Ueda, who carded a 74 (+2). Prukmathakul is level with Charleston sophomore Beatrice Diaz, while Mercyhurst junior Kym Henry is fourth at 76 (+4). Godek fired a Friday 77 (+5) and is solo-fifth, three shots back.

Two other Ravens finished in the 80s to round out the team's scoring four spots on the day. Sophomore Kayla Schuberth (Wrentham, Mass.) turned in an 81 (+9) and is tied-sixth, while freshman Phisonlaya Ruayruen (Chiangmai, Thailand) put together an 84 (+12) and is tied-13th. Junior Micaela Leandro (Harlingen, Texas) tallied a 90 (+18) to close out Franklin Pierce's first-day participation and is tied-32^nd.

The Evann Parker Memorial will conclude play with the second and final round on Saturday at Lake View Country Club.