TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama sophomore Kristen Gillman is tied for seventh place after carding a 2-under par 70 in the opening round of 2018 U.S. Women's Open at Shoal Creek, Ala., on Thursday.

Gillman's performance has her three shots off the lead and tied her with UCLA freshman Patty Tavatanakit for low score among collegiate golfers in the field. Gillman is one of only three of amateurs below par entering Friday's second round.

"I didn't hit it the way I usually do," Gillman said following the round. "But my short game was on point and that allowed me to play more relaxed knowing I have confidence in that right now. I was able to avoid tough areas on the course so overall, I'm really happy with how I played today."

Alabama alums Emma Talley and Jenny Suh finished at +2 and +4, respectively, on Thursday on the par-72, 6,689-yard Shoal Creek Club layout.



Gillman and Talley will play in the same group during Friday's second round and will tee off at 1:48 p.m. CT. Suh will tee off at 12:20 p.m. CT. Following the second round, the field will be cut to the low 60 scores (plus ties) for the tournament's final two rounds.

Coverage of Friday's round will air on FS1 from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. CT. Third- and fourth-round coverage will air on Fox from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. CT on Saturday and Sunday.

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