May 21, 2002

WACO, Texas - Baylor's Melanie Hagewood shot an even-par 72 Tuesday and stands tied at 14th after the first round of the 2002 NCAA Championship Finals at Washington National Golf Club in Auburn, Wash.

"I had a lot of birdies and made some good shots," Hagewood said following the round. "I only had a couple of bad ones, so it was a good day."

Hagewood is the first Baylor women's golfer to participate in the NCAA Finals and qualified individually after finishing fourth at the NCAA Central Regional in East Lansing, Mich., May 11.

The junior from Clarksville, Tenn., continues at the championship Wednesday with a 3:50 p.m. CDT tee time. Two final rounds will be played Thursday and Friday.

The NCAA Championships includes 24 teams and six individual golfers.

HAGEWOOD QUOTES
On the first day: "We had a great time. We played pretty fast through the back nine. The course is in great shape. It was a great day; not a lot of wind and it didn't rain on us, so that's good."

On her performance: "I was really into the game and into the process. I had a lot of birdies (4) and made some good shots. I only had a couple of bad ones, so it was a good day."