BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama State University women's golf opened play at the 2026 SWAC Women's Golf Championships on Monday with a solid first-round performance, sitting in third place after 18 holes at the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley (Ridge Course).
The Hornets posted a team score of 332 (+44), trailing first-round leader Prairie View A&M (317, +29) and second-place Texas Southern (323, +35). Jackson State (336, +48), Southern (341, +53), and Bethune-Cookman (343, +55) round out the team standings.
Alabama State was paced by a pair of top-five individual performances from Kierra Williams and Carmen Fletcher, who each fired an opening-round 80 (+8) and are tied for fourth overall. The duo sits just two strokes off the individual lead held by Prairie View A&M's Kacey Menyoli (78, +6).
Lindsey Christiana Marcellus added a strong round for the Hornets, carding an 82 (+10) to place 14th, giving Alabama State three players inside the top 15 after day one.
Rounding out the Hornets' lineup, Thayika Kittiyanaruewat posted a 90 (+18) to sit tied for 24th, while Iman Shah recorded a 93 (+21) and is tied for 27th.
With two rounds remaining, Alabama State remains within striking distance of the top two spots and will look to close the gap heading into Tuesday's second round.
The championship continues Tuesday with round two action, followed by the final round on Wednesday.
TEAM STANDINGS (After Round 1):
- Prairie View A&M – 317 (+29)
- Texas Southern – 323 (+35)
- Alabama State – 332 (+44)
- Jackson State – 336 (+48)
- Southern – 341 (+53)
- Bethune-Cookman – 343 (+55)
ALABAMA STATE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS:
T4. Kierra Williams – 80 (+8)
T4. Carmen Fletcher – 80 (+8)
14. Lindsey Christiana Marcellus – 82 (+10)
T24. Thayika Kittiyanaruewat – 90 (+18)
T27. Iman Shah – 93 (+21)
