ALTON, Ill. – The Bethel University women's golf team grabbed the opening-round lead Monday at the Missouri Baptist University Fall Classic at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course.
The Wildcats finished at 28 over par, building a four-stroke advantage over Baker at 32 over. Columbia (Mo.) stands third at 35 over heading into Tuesday's final round.
Charli Weatherford paced Bethel at one over par and sits second overall, just one stroke behind Columbia's Ellie Soderholm, who finished at even par.
Bethel's Allijah Griffith, competing as an individual, is tied for third at five over. Martina Gonzalez is tied for seventh at seven over, while Merle Chacon is tied for ninth at eight over.
Skylar Waller finished the opening round tied for 14th at 12 over. Ruby Savage is tied for 24th at 15 over, and Enzley Denton, also competing as an individual, stands 28th at 18 over.
Weatherford, Gonzalez, Chacon and Waller combined for Bethel's counting team score of 28 over.
UHSP is fourth in the team standings at 52 over, followed by Central Methodist at 53 over, William Woods at 59 over and host Missouri Baptist at 72 over. Southwestern Illinois did not post a team total.
The Wildcats will look to secure the tournament title when play concludes Tuesday in Alton.