NINETY SIX, S.C. – Gardner-Webb junior Linnea Hofgren fired a first round 70 on Wednesday afternoon to power the Runnin' Bulldogs into third on the opening day of the 2021 Big South Conference Women's Golf Championship.

This year's event is being held at its traditional location – the Patriot at Grand Harbor – a 6,165-yard, Par 72 course in Ninety Six, S.C.

Hofgren sits in third place, within striking distance of Campbell's Anna Nordfors (68) and USC Upstate's Been Pabsimma (69) after a steady and strong day. Hofgren sank five birdie putts, including three on the front nine and overcame three bogies. Her five birdies ranked second among all players on Wednesday.

Hofgren was far from Gardner-Webb's only shining star on Wednesday, with Dominika Burdova and Lindsay Koppel each firing solid rounds of 73 to tie for 10th individually. Burdova had a pair of birdies and Koppel had four birdies and an eagle to overcome a difficult back nine.

Veteran Allison Chandler battled into a tie for 21st, playing with the final group to tee off Wednesday afternoon. She shot a 76 for the day to cap Gardner-Webb's scoring. Gillian O'Brien also played, shooting a 78 to sit in 31st individually.

Gardner-Webb is just one stroke behind USC Upstate for second pace with 36 holes remaining. Top-seeded Campbell had four golfers finish under par Wednesday and holds a 10-stroke lead over the field.

The Runnin' Bulldogs have an 11-stroke edge on fourth-place High Point and Winthrop.

The second round begins on Thursday at 8:00 am. Follow live on Golf Stat via the Big South Conference.