PHOENIX, Calif. --- A rainy day of practice on Sunday turned into a rainy day of competition on Monday as Biola Women's Golf began play at the 2016 Arizona Christian Fall Invite in less than perfect conditions.
 
The tough weather did not burden the Eagles too much though, as the ladies combined to shoot a 320 and sit just 10 strokes behind the tournament leader Corban (Ore.) in second place.
 
The Eagles were powered by two very strong rounds by newcomers Jenny Zhang and Tori Roeske. The pair both shot 74s to lead the team and find themselves tied for the tournament lead halfway through the competition.
 
After beginning her round with a bogey Zhang recorded par or better on each of her next six holes to help get her off to a really strong start to the opening round. She was consistent throughout the day as she shot 1-over through her first nine holes and 1-over through her second nine to help her grab a slice of the tournament lead.
 
Roeske began her round with three bogeys in a row and really had to depend on the birdie late in her round in order to end up with the great score she finished with. She shot 1-under on the course's front nine, which was the back nine of her round as she started on hole 10. She finished the day with a birdie on holes eight and nine to help her drop to 74.
 
Rounding out the Eagles' scorecards for day one was Mary Karnazes (84), Bella Larson (88) and Kristen Hicks (89). The 320 puts Biola within striking distance of the Warriors if some of the Eagles' 3-5 scorers can improve a bit on their day one scores. The Eagles do not have the pressure of any other teams breathing down their neck for second place with a large gap in the scores.
 
The second round is due for a shotgun start early tomorrow morning at Moon Valley Country Club. It is forecast to be sunny with a high of 68 degrees and minimal winds.