NEWTON, KAN. --  Battling 37 degree temperature and 25 mph winds, the Missouri State women's golf team took on day one of the MVC Championship in Newton, Kan. following an hour delay. The reigning MVC Champs proved dominant through the course in round one, leading the pack of 10 teams with 305. The Bears are led by Verena Gimmy and Rachel Johnson each firing off a three-over par 75 as part of a five-way tie for first. Also breaking into the top 10, Ashley Childers carded 76 just one stroke behind the leaders. Senior Stine Pettersen shot her way into the top 20 on the leaderboard with 79. Freshman Bridget Schulte carded 87 in round one to complete the Bears team.
 
Missouri State, voted second in the pre-tournament poll with four votes, took a four stroke lead over Indiana State (309). In third with 310 is Loyola, followed by Southern Illinois (312), Drake (317), and Illinois State (319). Pre-tournament favorite Bradley is tied for seventh with Northern Iowa, each team shooting 320. Valparaiso (322) and Evansville (332) wrap up the field in ninth and 10th place respectively.
 
Round two is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. off of holes one and 10, weather permitting. For more information, check out the 2018 MVC Women's Golf Championship page to stay up-to-date on all the action.