SAVANNAH, Ga. - Paced by a 78 from junior Katie Dempsey the Dayton Flyers are in sixth overall after the first round of the 2009 Savannah College of Art and Design Invitational.

Dempsey had two birdies on the front nine and is just seven strokes behind the leader. She helped the Flyers finish the day in sixth.

This isn't the first time Dempsey has started the season strong. As a freshman she shot a round of 78 at the Youngstown State Invitational and another 78 in the 2007 spring opener at the Northern Kentucky Invitational.

UD as a team shot a 326, but are just 10 strokes back of the lead.

Freshman Clara Ang finished tied for 13th after shooting an 81 in round one. Ang started off the same as Dempsey with a three-over par 38 on the front nine, but faded down the stretch.

Junior Katie Gallagher was one stroke behind with an 82 in round one. Gallagher had a birdie on eight and sank eight pars.

Freshman Julie Pouliquen kept herself in contention after a round one 85. Pouliquen had seven pars on the afternoon. Sophomore Heather Grant shot an 87, junior Cari DeAngelis added an 83 and junior Paige Smith carded a 93 to round out the scoring.

The Flyers return to action on Tuesday, March 3 for round two of the SCAD Spring Invitational in Savannah, Ga. Tee times will begin at 8 p.m. ET.