The Missouri State women's golf team got off to a slow start Monday (Oct. 3) at the Missouri Valley Conference Preview in Cape Girardeau, Mo. The Bears shot 310-311--621 in the opening 36 holes, placing them 10th of 14 teams with the final 18 to play on Tuesday.

Sophomore Rachel Johnson led the way for MSU, shooting 75-77--152 to place her in a tie for 29th. Sophomore Ashley Childers was next with 73-81--154, while junior Verena Gimmy carded 77-78--155. Senior Lindsey Eisenreich posted 85-75--160 for the Bears and freshman Ryan Pate shot 88-81--169.

Murray State has the team lead following Monday's action as the Racers notched 290-291--581 to take a six-stroke lead over UMKC, which had 292-295--587. Arkansas State is third with 593, followed by Wichita State (597), Southern Illinois (599), Bradley (600), Austin Peay (606), Illinois State (612), Indiana State (613) and the Bears rounding out the top 10. Drake is 11th (626), with Loyola 12th (630), Evansville 13th (641) and UNI 14th (647).