CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina – Redshirt freshman Deborah Spair and senior Phu Khine each carded a 1-over par 73 to lead UNCW during the opening day of the Ruth's Chris Tar Heel Invitational at the Finley Golf Course on Friday afternoon.
 
Led by Spair and Khine, the Seahawks fashioned a 295 team score to claim a share of 12th place with NC State. Virginia Tech, which is receiving votes in the Mizuno WGCA Coaches Poll, holds a one-stroke lead over No. 11 Wake Forest at 6-under par.
 
Spair, who shot 73 for the third time in seven rounds this season, authored a team-high four birdies in the first round, including three birdies on the front nine. Khine, meanwhile, posted a pair of birdies on the front nine as both players are tied for 39th in the 96-player field.
 
Junior Mallory Fobes holds a piece of 53rd place after finishing 2-over par in the first round. Freshmen Malu Brinker and Anna Wills closed the first round at 3-over par and 5-over par, respectively.
 
The second round of the Ruth's Chris Tar Heel Invitational will take place on Saturday, Oct. 16, with a split tee start at 8:30 a.m.

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