CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carson-Newman Lady Eagles combined for an opening round 319 (+31) and are tied for third at the 2012 Ralph Hargette Memorial Invitational hosted by Wingate University.

C-N is 12 strokes off the lead behind Barry University after 18 holes at the Olde Sycamore Country Club in the Charlotte area.

Junior Melanie Manis is tied for third after a 4-over 76 in Monday opening round. She shot an even-par 36 on the front nine and is two strokes back of Queens' (N.C.) Laura Belanger, who fired a 74.

C-N is five strokes behind Queens as a team for second place and is tied with Columbus State (Ga.) for third. The Lady Eagles lead five other South Atlantic Conference teams in the field. Tusculum is seventh after a 324, three strokes behind C-N. There are 17 teams in the field.

Senior Jennifer Oliver is also in the tournament's Top 20. She is tied for 18^th after carding a 79.

Sophomore Lauren Hodge finished with an 81 and is tied for 29th, while senior Erica Ray and sophomore Louise McGillivray are both tied for 43^rd after 83s on Monday.

Sophomore Mary Tunnell is 58^th playing as an individual. She shot an 85 Monday morning.  

The tournament's final round begins Tuesday morning.