Freshman Catherine Dolan finished third, just a stroke out of first place, in her first collegiate tournament to lead the Missouri State women's golf team to a third-place finish in the season-opening MSU/Payne Stewart Memorial on Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 15-16).  Dolan fired 73-74--147 to finish just behind medalist Maggie Welch of McNeese State and runnerup Bari Erais of Bradley, who tied for first with Welch prevailing in a playoff.

Oral Roberts came from behind to capture the team title, shooting 307-302--609 in two trips around the par-72, 6005-yard Rivercut Golf Course layout in Springfield.  First-round leader McNeese State finished second at 304-310--614, just ahead of the Bears, who posted 311-304--615.  Missouri Valley Conference rivals Bradley and Southern Illinois finished fourth and fifth, respectively, with 616 and 622 totals.  The 11-team tournament was shortened from the original 54 holes after high flood waters on parts of the course forced a delay in Monday's opening round.

Arkansas State finished sixth with 630, followed by Wichita State (632), Northern Iowa (657), Drury (669), SIU Edwardsville (677) and South Dakota (710).

Three Bears tied for second on the team and 17th overall -- seniors Amy Phalajivin and Lindsey Wellenstein, and freshman Kelsey Welber -- with 158 totals.  Phalajivin carded 81-77, Wellenstein 79-79, and Welber rebounded Tuesday with a 74 after an opening 84.  Junior Stacey Rodger shot 78-82--160 to place 25th.

Playing in the medalist competition but unable to count in the team scoring for MSU were Mallory Mahon and Emily Potts, who shot identical scores of 85-78--163 to tie for 36th.  Emily Matthews went 89-85--174 and Megan Agey shot 95-93--188.

The Bears are idle this weekend, but return to action Sept. 29-30 for the Johnnie Imes Invitational in Columbia, Mo.