Freshman Bernadette stepped to the front in the opening round of the NAIA Women’s Golf Championships being played on the Wilderness Ridge Golf Club.
When play continues on Wednesday morning, Little will be tied for second place with nine other golfers for second place after firing a 3-over 75. As a team the Lady Flames will be chasing Embry-Riddle (Fla.) after Heather Wiquist paced her team with a 2-under 70.
The Eagles totaled 301 as a team.
Lubbock Christian stands at 304. Cal State San Marcos and Oklahoma City sits in third after registering a 310 (+22). Defending national champions, British Columbia round out the top five on the team leader board, as they posted a first round score of 312 (+24).
Lee stands in a tie for the 10
th spot with the University of the Cumberlands after totaling a 317 (+29)
Bernadette came through big for us today,” coach John Maupin. “She really stepped up at a time when we needed her. I also thought Sloane (Skinner) played a very solid round of golf.”
Skinner is tied for 20
th after a 5-over 77. Madison Alexander tallied an 82. Courtney Shelton struggled with an 83, while Chelsea Rakestraw came in at 87.
“There is a pretty big logjam on the leader board and we are in the thick of things,” said Maupin. “Again, it's a long week (tournament) with a lot of golf left, so we just need to try to get better each day. We are going to get a good night’s rest and be ready to go on Wednesday morning."