TUCSON, Ariz. --- Biola continues their fun in the sun with a fifth place finish after the first 18-holes at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon in Tucson, Ariz., for their second straight tournament in the desert competing in a pool of 91golfers. The Eagles faced tough competition at the RJHA Palm Valley Classic and will face-off against No. 4 Texas A&M-Commerce, No. 9 Point Loma and No. 18 West Texas A&M yet again. 

Mary Grace Davidson was the team leader for the Eagles scoring two-over par at 74. Davidson sits tied for sixth place on the individual leaderboard after one day of competition.

The Freshman carried her success over from her last tournament and was very consistent on the day. Davidson shot three birdies, ten holes at-par, and five bogeys across the 18-holes today while sitting one below par in the back-nine. Davidson started her day by running into a low tree branch in the parking lot, Head Coach Jane Carr was slightly concerned that the minor collision would impact her play and it did. "Evidently bumping your head before a round is pretty good for your game," said Davidson. 

While we don't recommend anyone to give this a try before they hit the links, Davidson kept good spirits and continued to compete. "She is one of the most creative golfers out there," said Carr. "In the practice round she is the person who isn't putting when we get to the green, but instead drawing out each green in her yardage book. This freshman continues to impress me out on and off the golf course."

Sami Penor competed well in her first 18-holes coming in at just six-over par to sit in the top third of the tournament. Penor shot even on 12 holes while adding four bogeys and one birdie to her afternoon. Penor continues to be an anchor for Carr and BU Golf, her dedication and resiliance speaks volumes to what this program is capable of. 

The Eagles add another top-30 golfer in Brady Turnnquist who sits one-stroke back of Penor following day one of competition. Turnquist returns to the lineup after competing as an individual in the RJGA Palm Valley Classic. The freshman scored two birdies on back-to-back holes to round out a score of one-over par on the front-nine.

Jules Loibl (82) and Rachel Reynolds (90) rounded out the team score for the Eagles. Loibl finished the day with a birdie on the final hole while Reynolds added a birdie of her own on the eighth-hole. 

Competing as an individual, Sophia Karnazes shot seven-over par in round one. The senior opened competition with two bogeys in the front-nine and totaled for five on the day for a score of 83.

Biola trails only Texas A&M Commerce (295), West Texas A&M (300), Point Loma (308) and Colorado Mea (310) heading into day-two on Saturday morning.