WAIMEA, Hawai'i--- The Biola University Women's Golf Team pushed through their first round of the Dennis Rose Invitational, landing toward the top of a competitive field.

"Hapuna is such a beautiful course and the overall condition of the course and greens was amazing," said head coach Jane Carr. "Our players posted a solid round of 302 today and are in good position for tomorrow." 

The Eagles are competing against the same teams they saw in the HPU Sharks Shootout. Half of these teams are ranked by GolfStat including: No. 4 Texas A&M, No. 22 Biola, No. 24 Cal State San Marcos, No. 31 Cal State East Bay, No. 31 UT Permian Basin, No. 37 Western Washington, No.44 Point Loma, and No. 50 Simon Fraser.

The same field, but new location proved to be a bit of a challenge for the Eagles who got off to a slow start. Biola picked up momentum toward the end of the day, ending the first round strong with a team score of 302 (tied for fourth place). Ahead of Biola was first place Cal State San Marcos (291), second place Western Washington (294), and third place Sonoma State (297).

"The course is lined with lava fields and native grass which makes errant shots costly," Carr added. "If you are able to find your ball in these areas the only relief option is an unplayable. This made staying in the fairway an important factor today." 

Brady Turnquist, the reigning Dennis Rose Medalist, led the Eagles with a sizzling score of one-under-par 71. Turnquist, eager to defend her crown, is chasing the tournament's leader Arnie Taguines (UT Permian Basin) by two strokes. 

"Brady is the defending champion and wants to repeat," commentated Carr. "When she sets her mind to something she is unstoppable. She played smart today and went after the pins. In the last 10 holes she made four birdies and when she starts making birdies you know she is going to go low."

Melanie Reyes was the next best on the green, carding a first round score of 76. Rachel Shaw was just one stroke behind Reyes (77), followed by Madison Voisard (78) and Emily Cons (82).

Turnquist and Shaw shared a team-high of four birdies.

"Rachel continues to show a lot of consistency this fall," elaborated Carr. "Hole eight and nine gave her trouble, but she played even par the other 16 holes with four bogeys and four birdies." 

Final thoughts from Carr: "We played well today, but we know we have to eliminate big numbers and get more birdies if we are going to move up the leader board. Tomorrow is their sixth consecutive day of golf on this Hawaii swing of back to back tournaments. I know they are tired, but they are also fighters and I see them coming back even stronger tomorrow."

The second round is scheduled to begin tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 29) with a shotgun time of 11 a.m. PT.