On a day when Alabama's best player faltered, the enviable depth of the Crimson Tide pushed the team to an early lead.
Alabama posted a 6-under 282 on Friday at the Mason Rudolph Championship, which afforded the group a one-shot cushion through 18 holes.
Senior Emma Talley, a bonafide ANNIKA Award candidate, could only muster a 2-over 74 in the first round, leaving the Crimson Tide star a lowly tied for 38th. In her stead, sophomore Lakareber Abe, who is healthier after elbow and wrist ailments hindered her last season, posted 5-under 67 to reach solo second.