With 18 holes in the books, the Lady Govs sit in a prime position to make a move in the F&M Bank APSU Invitational.

On Monday, APSU shot 311 (+23) as a team with the wind gusting along the hills of the Clarksville Country Club. The Lady Govs sit 10 shots back on co-leaders Belmont and Murray State, while Tennessee Tech is just one shot off pace.

Sophomore Amber Bosworth fired a career-best 73 (+1) for the round, placing herself in a tie for second on the individual leaderboard. Another second-year player, Morgan Kaufman, picked up her play as the holes wore on to shoot 79.

“I’m very pleased with the way Amber played,” head coach Sara Robson said. “Her and Kaufman came in strong for us. To get that low 73 from Amber in second place, I’m excited about that for her. Kaufman battled hard today. She struggled early on, but played well for us.”

On a day where APSU’s number one, Jessica Cathey, was off, the round by Bosworth was huge for the Lady Govs. Cathey had success in the tournament last season — shooting 71-76 — but struggled on Monday with a 6-over 78. Senior Meghan Mueller was unable to maintain consistency with a 86, while Anna Michelle Moore rounded out the five-player group with an 81.

“She [Cathey] is allowed a rough day,” Robson said. “Her team was there to hold it for her, and that’s what a team is. Meghan struggled today which hurt us a little bit, but we’re excited to be where we are with a chance to play really well tomorrow.”

Four Lady Govs played as individuals, with Kelsey Schutt having a stand-out round. The sophomore posted a score of 77, and was knocking on the door of putting herself in the starting five prior to the tournament. A pair of freshmen — Anna Pope and Sarah Beth Struble — shot 80 and 82, respectively, while sophomore Morgan Gardner finished the day with an 83.

On Tuesday, the invitational will conclude with an 18-hole shotgun start. Weather permitting, the round will begin at 9 a.m.