WAIKOLOA, Hawaii --- After enjoying a few days acclimating to the Big Island with practice rounds and opening ceremonies, Biola Women's Golf opened day one of the PacWest Conference Tournament at Waikoloa Beach Course.

The par-70, 5,915-yard Waikoloa Beach Course plays much more difficult than the scorecard may reflect. The course is notorious for its wind, which can make for some difficult playing conditions at times. 

Biola finished day one with a team score of 313. The Eagles sit in third place, only six strokes behind Point Loma (307), while holding a three-stroke advantage over Holy Names (316) in the seven-team pool. Dominican (297) got off to a hot start and sit 16 strokes ahead of the Eagles and hold the tournament lead. 

It was freshman Brady Turnquist who led the Eagles through the first 18 holes, carding a round of 74 at four-over par. Turnquist completed 14 holes at par, while adding four bogeys to her scorecard. She sits in sixth place on the individual leaderboard after the first round of play.

Turnquist continues to impress Head Coach Jane Carr who had pointed out the freshman's poise and drive early on in the season.

"Brady has great confidence in her game and wants to contribute too this team's success," said Carr. "A conference championship is a big stage for a freshman and yet Brady thrives on the pressure of big moments like this."

While Turnquist led the Eagles on the day, Carr identified an area that Turnquist can improve on potentially giving her an extra edge to position herself for a top-5 performance. 

"She was aggressive with the putts, but the birdies weren't falling for her," said Carr. If Turnquist can make the minor adjustments on the green, she is certain to continue to perform in big moments as this tournament goes on. 

Sami Penor and Jules Loibl checked in just behind Turnquist as the duo both carded a round of 79 and are tied for 16th-place in the 32-player pool. Both Penor and Loibl shot seven holes at par while sinking 10 bogeys and one birdie each. 

Rachel Reynolds and Sophia Karnazes rounded things out for Biola as they carded 81 and 84 respectively after round one.

"All in all we kept our head about us and played pretty steady golf out there, unfortunately we had too many bogeys," said Carr. "Tomorrow is moving day and our players know what it is going to take to move up that leader board."

Carr and the Eagles return to Waikoloa Beach Course on Tuesday with tee times beginning a 11:25 a.m. pacific time.