SILVIS, Ill. -- Paced by senior Tylah Saifoloi and sophomore Maria Pinedo, the Bellevue University women's golf team sits in 15th place after the opening round of play of the 2023 NAIA Women's Golf National Championship being played at the 5,813-yard, par-71 TPC at Deere Run.
The Bruins registered a team score of 34-over 318. The University of British Columbia leads the 30-team field at 9-over par with a team score of 293. Keiser University is four strokes back at 13-over par.
Saifoloi shot the Bruins' top round on the day with a five-over 76, putting her in a tie for 18th place. Her consistent round was highlighted by two birdies and 12 pars.
Pinedo carded a six-over 77 in the first round. Her round was sparked by three birdies and eight pars. Pinedo is in a tie for 29th place.
Ilysia Ibnu carded an 11-over 82 and is in a tie for 89th place. She had 10 pars in her round.
Aaricia Noel-Traissac finished with a 12-over 83. She is currently in a tie for 100th place. She had one birdie and seven pars in her opening round of play.
Rounding out the day for the Bruins was Megan Harty who shot a 16-over 87 and is in a tie for 122nd place.
The trio of MaKayla Tyrrell (Oklahoma City), Jessica Ng (British Columbia), and Hannah Ulibarri (The Master's) lead the 155-player field after all three collected even-par 71's on Tuesday.
The Bruins will tee off at 7:30 a.m. in Wednesday's second round.
