MARSHALL, Minn. – The Northwest Missouri State University women's golf team is tied for second place after the opening round of the EverSpring Inn & Suites Mustang Invite at Marshall Golf Club.
 
The Bearcats posted an opening-round score of 301 (+13), which ranks as the fourth-best 18-hole team score in program history. This comes shortly after they set a new mark at the 2024 MIAA Fall Preview on Sept. 23. 
 
Lexi Bartley led the way, shooting an even-par 72 over the first 18 holes. Her round included three birdies on holes 5, 14, and 18, along with nine pars, making it the best individual round of the season for Northwest. Bartley is currently tied for second overall.
 
Paige Hoffman also turned in a stellar performance, recording a 73 (+1) with birdies on holes 3, 12, and 15. She is tied for fifth and logged her season-best score.
 
Meanwhile, both Madilyne Schlaepfer and Lauren Briggs are tied for 21st with a score of 78 (+6). Schlaepfer tallied one birdie and 11 pars, while Briggs finished with two birdies and 11 pars.
 
Northwest's Individual Scores (Day 1)
T2. Lexi Bartley – 72 (E)
T5. Paige Hoffman – 73 (+1)
T21. Madilyne Schlaepfer – 78 (+6)
T21. Lauren Briggs - -78 (+6)
T36. Kayla Moline – 81 (+9)
T53. Carleigh Reoh – 85 (+13) *
T53. Lauren Kohl – 85 (+13) *
*Scored as an individual 
 
First-Round Team Scores
1. Augustana – 297 (+9)
2. Northwest Missouri State – 301 (+13)
T3. Minnesota State (B) – 302 (+14) 
      Minnesota State – 302
5.Sioux Falls – 303 (+15)
6. Morningside – 305 (+17)
7. Minnesota-Crookston – 314 (+26)
8. Chadron – 320 (+32)
9. SW Minnesota State – 330 (+42)
10. Bemidji State – 339 (+51)
11. MSU Moorhead – 341 (+53)
12. Briar Cliff – 351 (+63)
 

Northwest is set to tee off tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. for the final 18 holes of the competition.