Missouri State University

The Missouri State women's golf team stumbled out of the gate Monday (Mar. 29), shooting a season-worst 321 in the opening round of the UALR Golf Classic at Diamante Country Club in Hot Springs, Ark.  The Bears rebounded in the afternoon with a 300 and their 621 total places them in a tie for 11th in the 18-team field with 18 holes to play.

Senior Stacey Rodger paced MSU, shooting an even-par 72 in the afternoon round after opening with an 80 for a 152 total and tie for 28th place.  Freshman Heather Smith was next with 83-74--157, good for a tie for 46th.  Sophomore Emily Potts and freshman Hermine Greyling are tied for 53rd after each carded 158; Potts posted 78-80 while Greyling had 83-75.  Sophomore Kelsey Welber shot 80-79--159 and is tied for 57th.  Crystal Reeves of Oral Roberts holds the lead in the medalist race, shooting 73-69--142, two-under-par, one better than Ashley Haggard of Middle Tennessee State's 68-75--143.

Middle Tennessee holds the lead in the team race after posting 291-297-588, with Oral Roberts second at 299-292--591, and UALR third with 305-288--593.  Central Arkansas is fourth at 598 with Western Michigan rounding out the top five at 603.

Tuesday's final round is scheduled for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.