TENAFLY, NJ – Brooke Oberparleiter, an amateur from Laurel Springs, New Jersey, shot a 4-under-par 68 to lead the 2nd Women’s Open Championship at Knickerbocker Country Club on Monday, August 12.

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Oberparleiter, a rising sophomore at the University of Kentucky, collected six birdies on the 5,577-meter course.

“I hit the right spots, hit a lot of greens and rolled them really well today,” Oberparleiter reflected.

Despite a downpour that extended over her last holes, the 19-year-old Oberparleiter completed her round with a success.

“I pulled myself together and made a few birdies when it rained. I stayed focused and just kept playing my game.”

Anushka Sawant finished 2 under par, behind Oberparleiter.

Sawant, an amateur from Monmouth Junction, attributes her solid round to her consistent putting performance on Monday.

“My short game was definitely strong today, which really helped me,” Sawant said.

Sawant is trying to stay calm and enjoy the moment before starting her college career at the University of Delaware.

“I’m going to keep my momentum going tomorrow by not taking my shots too seriously,” Sawant added. “It’s my last tournament before college and I want to make sure I have fun.”

Christina Parsells, the 11th Women’s Mid-Amateur champion, shot 1 under par in the opening round and is seeking her third NJSGA title.

“The pressure comes from my short game,” Parsells said. “Seeing how my short game worked under pressure at Watchung Valley definitely helped build some momentum here.”

Alison Walshe and Lauren Peter lead the professional field with even par 72. Defending champion Meaghan Francella finished with 4 over par 76.

The final round begins on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m.

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