Blumenherst leads U.S. Women's Amateur

Eugene, Ore. -- NCAA Player of the Year Amanda Blumenherst had a 6-under 66 Monday to take the first round lead at the 108th U.S. Women's Amateur.

Two days of stroke play will cut a field of 156 to 64 players and sort them by seed for five rounds of match play beginning Wednesday.

Blumenherst was the runner-up at last year's U.S. Women's Amateur. She is reigning NCAA Player of the Year from Duke.

Alison Walshe of Westford, Mass., Australia's Stephanie Na and Canada's Stephanie Sherlock each posted 68. Walshe starred for the United States at the Curtis Cup and was 31st at the United States Women's Open in June.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.