BROOMFIELD, Colo. --- Friday was a drawn out, long day on the course for the Eagles but the team persevered. A slow start did not deter the BU squad that posted the second-best score in round two to finish tied for fourth on the opening day of the Swan Memorial Tournament.

The start to 2023 saw the Eagles compete in Broomfield, Colorado in a field of 14 teams at the Swan Memorial Tournament. The field was led by No. 4 West Texas A&M and Biola followed in a tie for fourth after two rounds on Friday. 

Through one round, Biola was unable to find its groove, sliding into eighth place with a team score of 316. While well within reach, the Eagles knew they were capable of more after the first 18.

The team stepped up in its second look at the course, cutting 11 strokes off the team score. A score of 305 topped all teams in the second round except for the overall leaders. Five of six Eagles tallied better scores in round two to help the team jump four spots on the leaderboard.

Brady Turnquist paced the squad throughout the day with rounds of 74 and 72. The senior drove home three birdies in each round but matched the strong total in round two with 13 pars. The strong play put her in a two-way tie for fifth, heading into the final round on Saturday.

Freshman Karis Haltom saw her first collegiate action, making an immediate impact for the team. The first card turned in by Haltom held a 77 total, before following it up with a 78. A +11 on the day put her in 23rd place, while tapping in four birdies in round one alone.

Melanie Reyes came through next in 43rd place after day one with a score of +17. Hailey Hays scored for the Eagles in her debut, turning in scorecards of 80 and 82. Jessica Cornelius stepped up in round two with 79 strokes through the 18 holes.

Competing as an individual, Theresa Shaw hit the course for the first time as a Biola Eagle. The freshman was consistent throughout Friday with finishes of 80 and 79. Shaw matched Turnquist on hole five, scoring a birdie on the hole in round two.

Biola will be back in action on Saturday morning, completing the Swan Memorial Tournament with the third and final round.