Sloan leads after Round 1

Illinois Women's Open

After a morning weather delay, 17-year-old Samantha Sloan of Lansing turned in a sizzling 4-under-par 68 to take a 3-shot lead in the 13th Illinois Women's Open championship at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

Lightning contributed to a 3ˆ¨-hour weather delay, and a steady drizzle fell during the first two hours of play.

Sloan, the four-time Illinois Junior Golfer of the Year, made 5 birdies with only 1 bogey spoiling her card.

"I only missed one green today," said Sloan, who will be a senior at Marian Catholic in Chicago Heights in the fall. "I hit everything close to the hole and made a few putts."

Carding 1-under 71s over the par-72, 6,079-yard Irish-links-style course were amateurs Kerry Postillion of Burr Ridge, a three-time Illinois Women's Open champion, and Northwestern University senior Katie Trachok of Pittsburgh.

The others were professionals: Carolyn Barnett-Howe of Appleton, Wis., and Homewood's Megan Godfrey, the 2006 Illinois State Amateur champion and a Futures Tour regular.

Defending champion Jenna Pearson of Wheaton, also a Futures Tour player, shot a 2-over 74 and was 6 behind.