DANIELS, W. Va. -- The Virginias team got off to a strong start at the 63rd Women's Virginias-Carolinas Matches at Glade Springs Resort's Stonehaven Course, outscoring the Carolinas 19-17 in four-ball action on Monday to take the early lead.
The matches continue on Tuesday with 36 points available in 12 Pinehurst Alternate Shot matches. The event concludes Wednesday with 24 singles matches. In each match, one point each is given to the winner of the front nine, the winner of the back nine and the winner of the overall match.
Two Virginias' sides collected the full complement of three points on Monday. Abigail Portyrata and Rachel Walker defeated Julie Streng and Courtney Stiles 5 and 4 overall, taking the front nine 2 up and the back nine 4 and 3.
Karen Kinnett and Joanne Kitusky also earned three full points, defeating Kathy Binkley and Linda Daniel 4 and 3 overall after winning both nines with 3-and-2 scores.
Shelley Savage and Mary Cabriele earned 2 1/2 points for the Virginias team, as did Grace Huffman and Kristin Shifflett. Mimi Hoffman and Joan Gardner finished with two points in winning their match against Kim Briele and Leigh Armentrout.
Two Carolinas' sides finished with three points: Sarah Spicer and Jodee Tindal; and Keri Kenkel and Lea Venable. Jessica Spicer and Alexandria Bare earned 2 1/2 points for the Carolinas, while Madison Moosa and Hailey Joy collected two points.
Three of the 12 matches on Monday ended in a tie.
The Carolinas won last year's meeting 89-55 in Hilton Head, S.C., and are seeking their ninth win in the last 10 years. The Virginias' lone win since 2009 came two years ago at Spring Creek Golf Club.