Orlando, Fla. – The Virginia women’s golf team opened its 2021 season by finishing the first day of play at the UCF Challenge in seventh place. The Cavaliers shot 3-under 285 at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Fla. Arkansas grabbed the early lead for the 17-team field by shooting 15-under 273.

UVA was led by junior Riley Smyth (Cary, N.C.) and sophomore Celeste Valinho (Jacksonville, Fla.) who both shot 3-under 69 and are tied for sixth place after the opening 18 holes of competition. Valinho’s performance was her low single-round score as a Cavalier after playing in three tournaments last year. Her round included three birdies and 15 pars.

First-year Jennifer Cleary (Wilmington, Del.), making her UVA debut, ended the day in 31st place at even par 72. Senior Beth Lillie (Fullerton, Calif.) and sophomore Virginia Bossi (Como, Italy) rounded out UVA’s scoring by shooting 3-over 75. They are tied for 62nd place.

The 54-hole event runs through Tuesday.

UCF Challenge
Eagle Creek Golf Club
Orlando, FL
Par 72, 6,349 yards
First Round Results
Team Results

 1. Arkansas              273
 2. Kent State            276
 3. Miami                 277
 3. Wake Forest           277
 5. Houston               280
 6. Penn State            284
 7. Virginia              285
 8. Mississippi State     286
 9. Kentucky              289
10. UCF                   290
11. Iowa State            291
11. Kennesaw State        291
13. Michigan State        292
14. Purdue                294
15. College of Charleston 299
16. NC State              303
17. UNC Wilmington        304

Individual Leaders
1. Emily Price, Kent State   65
2. Rachel Kuehn, Wake Forest 66
2. Ela Anacona, Arkansas     66
2. Cory Lopez, Arkansas      66

Virginia Results
 6. Riley Smyth     69
 6. Celeste Valinho 69
31. Jennifer Cleary 72
62. Beth Lillie     75
62. Virginia Bossi  75