Central College’s Sarah Paulson took the early lead in her bid to defend her title at the Iowa Conference women’s golf tourney yesterday. Paulson carded a 1-over-par 73 at the Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls in the opening round of the 72-hole tournament. Central shot a season-low 322, but trails defending champion Wartburg by 11 shots. Freshman Kaurie Kincaid of Knoxville is tied for ninth with an opening round 82. The tournament continues today at Pheasant Ridge starting at 9 a.m. The final 36 holes will be played next Friday and Saturday at the Oneota Golf and Country Club in Decorah