The Missouri State women's golf team improved by four shots and two places Saturday (Mar. 6) on the second day of the Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational in Rio Verde, Ariz. The Bears opened with 311 the first day and then followed with 307 the second for a 618 total and are in ninth place of 18 teams entering Sunday's final round.
Michigan holds a comfortable 15-stroke lead entering the final day after firing 291-287--578 in two trips around the Quail Run Course at Rio Verde Country Club. Arkansas-Little Rock is second with 593, while Minnesota is third at 597 and Eastern Michigan fourth at 598. Kansas is fifth at 600, followed by Xavier (608), Bradley (614), Ball State (617), MSU (618) and Toledo (619) rounding out the top 10.
Sophomore Kelsey Welber leads the way for the Bears after shooting 76-76--152 and is tied for 21st, one shot ahead of teammate Heather Smith, who's tied for 24th after carding 78-75--153. Next for MSU is Catherine Dolan, tied for 44th with 78-78--156, followed by Emma Clegg, tied for 49th with 79-78--157. Freshman Hermine Greyling has shot 84-79--163 and is tied for 78th. Ashley Bauer of Michigan holds a seven-stroke lead in the medalist race after shooting 68-68--136.
Sunday's final round is scheduled for an 8 a.m. MST start.
