NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (April 9, 2012) – Following the opening round of the Purple Eagles Invitational hosted by Niagara University, the Saint Francis University women's golf team sits in third place in the five-team field.

The Red Flash carded a first round 353 team score and trail second place Robert Morris by nine strokes and team leader Youngstown State by 11 shots. Tournament host Niagara and Mercyhurst round out the remaining five teams in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Freshman Mallory Cortis (Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg Area) fired an opening day 82 which puts her in a share of the lead heading into the final day of action Tuesday. Ann Colligan (Kittanning, Pa./Kittanning) is two shots back with an 84, placing her in a tie for fifth in the field of 30. Erica DeVal (Arnold, Md./Broadneck) is the third ranked Flash golfer whose 92 puts her in a tie for 15^th. Samantha Smyers (Allison Park, Pa./Shaler Area) and Paige Wojdyla (Cranberry Twp., Pa./Seneca Valley) round out the rest of the SFU participants. Smyers carded an opening round 95 for a solo hold on 20^th place and Wojdyla's 97 puts her in a tie for 22^nd.

Saint Francis will head back out to Niagara Falls Country Club for the final round of the Purple Eagles Invitational tomorrow morning.