First-Round Results

RIO VERDE, Ariz. -- The Missouri State women's golf team is in sixth place after the first round of the Rio Verde Invitational in its first tournament of the spring season. The Bears shot 298 in Friday's (Feb. 21) opening round at the White Wing Course at Rio Verde Country Club and sit in the top third of the 21-team field with two rounds still to play.

MSU was led by Kiser Pannier, who fired a two-under-par 70, and is tied for third in the individual standings. The junior from Sedalia, Mo., posted nines of 37-33 to tie her best round of the season, matching the 70's she shot in the fall at Edisto Island and Diamante. Sophomore Tierney Baumstark was second for MoState and 12th overall after carding a one-over 73, while sophomore Coyee Zhang shot 77 and is tied for 54th. Freshman Marlee Edgeman is 65th after shooting a 78 and sophomore Kyleigh Pfitzner posted 80 to place her in a tie for 84th.

California Baptist grabbed the early lead in the team race by shooting 283, with Illinois State second at 289 and Xavier third at 292. Ball State and Ohio are fourth and fifth, with the Bears, Utah Tech, Central Michigan, Kennesaw State and Wichita State rounding out the top 10.

Saturday's second round is scheduled for a 10 a.m. local time shotgun start.