KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. --- Top-ranked Florida Southern fired an opening round 294 to lead the 2008 Tusculum College/Kiawah Island Women's Golf Intercollegiate, Saturday at the Cougar Point Golf Course. The Mocs were led by Marianne Andersson's one-under par 71, which leads the individual competition.

Florida Southern holds a one-shot lead over second place Nova Southeastern (295) and seven shots better than defending Intercollegiate champion Rollins (301). Lynn is fourth with 313, while West Florida posted a 317 and is fifth. Belmont Abbey is sixth with 318, followed by Savannah College of Art and Design (328), Wingate (332), Berry (332), Pfeiffer (334), Armstrong Atlantic (336), Tusculum (337), Newberry (344), Lenoir-Rhyne (351), Limestone (358), Lincoln Memorial (364), Mount Olive (364), UNC Pembroke (378).

Andersson also has a one-shot advantage after Saturday's first round. Eleven players are within three shots of the lead, including four with even par 72. Bhavna Shetty (West Florida), Kim Ulander (Florida Southern), Cristina Gugler (Rollins) and Taylor Collins each posted 72, while Maria Garcia Austt (Nova Southeastern) and Katherine Hicks (Armstrong Atlantic) are tied for sixth with 73.

Florida Southern's opening round 294 established a new tournament record for the lowest first round tally in the six-year history of the event. Andersson's 71 is tied for the lowest individual opening round score, matching the 71 posted by FSC's Lindsey Bergeon in 2007.

Sunday's final round will be begin at 8 a.m. on the 5,800-yard layout.