HUDSON, N.H. (September 25, 2022) -- Eyeing its second tournament victory in as many weeks, the Franklin Pierce University women's golf team is out to an eight-shot lead atop an eight-team field after Sunday's first round of the Franklin Pierce Invitational. Led by a one-over round of 71 from first-round co-leader Phisonlaya Ruayruen (Chiangmai, Thailand), the Ravens put together an opening 294 (+14). The two-day event is being held at the par-70, 5632-yard Green Meadow Golf Club.

The sophomore Ruayruen shares the individual lead at the midway point with Saint Rose senior Erika Fuentes, who turned in a steady round of 36 (+1) on the front nine, followed by 35 (E) coming back in. In contrast, Ruayruen struggled early with an outward-nine 39 (+4), but found it on the back nine, where she turned in a three-under 32. The duo is one shot clear of Franklin Pierce sophomore Kesinee Prukmathakul (Bangkok, Thailand) and Adelphi junior Ilaria Ponziani, who were each good for two-over 72 on Sunday.

All five members of Franklin Pierce's lineup were in the top 15 of the 55-golfer field, including a trio in the top five. Behind the pair of Thai sophomores, senior Micaela Leandro (Harlingen, Texas) is tied-fifth after an opening-round 74 (+4). Meanwhile, fellow senior Alia Godek (Feeding Hills, Mass.) is tied-12^th at 77 (+7), and freshman Lorelai Flanagan (Arlington, Mass.) is tied-14^th at 78 (+8).

It all added up to a 14-over 294 for the Ravens, who are eight shots clear of Stonehill in second at 302 (+22), with one round to play. It's another 18 shots back from there to third-place Adelphi at 320 (+40).

Franklin Pierce also had two players competing as individuals on Sunday. Junior Alexis St. Laurent (Nashua, N.H.) is solo-16th at 79 (+9), while freshman Madison Martel (Waterford, N.Y.) is solo-43rd at 94 (+24).

The Franklin Pierce Invitational will wrap up on Monday, with the second round at Green Meadow.