Missouri State University

The Missouri State women's golf team posted its best round of the season Saturday (Mar. 8) to move up six places on the second day of the Rio Verde Invitational in Rio Verde, Ariz.  After sitting in a tie for 13th place with an opening 311 on Friday, the Bears rebounded with 299 in the second round, the third-best score of the day, and are tied for seventh place entering Sunday's finale.   

Senior Missy Linnens paced the Bears Saturday with a one-under-par 71 on the Quail Run layout at Rio Verde Country Club and sits at 152 after a first-day 81 and is tied for 24th.  But senior Jillian Anthony leads the way for MSU with a consistent 76-75--151, good for a tie for 21st.  Next comes senior Lyndsey Adams, who's tied for 31st with 77-77--154.  Sophomore Stacey Rodger is tied for 43rd at 80-76--156, while junior Amy Phalajivin is tied for 70th with 82-78--160 and Lindsey Wellenstein is tied for 87th at 87-78--165.

Notre Dame leads in the team standings after 36 holes with 294-290--594, followed by Minnesota at 300-291--591 and Texas Tech at 291-306--597.  Arkansas-Little Rock is fourth (602), followed by Northern Arizona (605), Western Michigan (606) and the Bears and Illinois State, tied for seventh in the 18-team field.  Notre Dame's So-Hyun Park leads the medalist race after shooting 72-70--142.

Sunday's final round is set for a 10:00 a.m. CDT start.