TUCSON, Ariz.---The Biola women's golf team finished the Desert Invite at The Lodge At Ventana Canyon.

"The conditions were nice today, but the winds kicked up the last 3-4 holes," reflected head coach Jane Carr. "The course overall was very challenging for the entire field. The greens were hard making it difficult to hold balls on the green. The pin placements were some of the most challenging we have seen all year and if you were in the wrong place the greens were fast and tricky. This type of course exposes a players short game."

Biola travelled two teams, Melanie Reyes, Karis Haltom, Theresa Shaw, Rachel Shaw and Claire Shubin represented Biola's A Team. Biola's B Team included Sofia Ingle, Laura Ortiz, Abigale Morris, Emily Cons and Hailey Hays.

The Eagles' A Team tied for seventh overall with a combined team score of 652 and their B Team placed 13th with a team score of 671. Both teams finished ahead of the other PacWest Conference teams in attendance. Hawaii Pacific finished 15th (676), Hawaii Hilo 18th (719) and Dominican 19th (722).

Biola, nationally-ranked #33, went toe-to-toe with the other nationally-ranked teams in attendance. BU's A Team tied with #32 Cal State East Bay and finished ahead of  #47 Texas A&M International and #50 Arkansas Fort Smith.

Reyes led Biola's A Team, finishing T5 with a combined score of 154. Following Reyes was Theresa Shaw (T37, 165), Rachel Shaw (T42, 166), Haltom (T48, 167) and Shubin (T74, 174).

"Melanie is such a strong all around player," stated Carr. "A top five finish in this field is incredible and well deserved. Her eagle down the stretch and a birdie on her final hole displayed her ability to not give up. She fights to the end for every stroke she can get."

Biola's B Team was led by Hays who finished T30 with a combined score of 163. Behind Hays was Ortiz (T42, 166), Ingle (T66, 172), Cons (T66, 172) and Morris (T78, 176). 

Reyes and Hays tied for Biola's lowest second round, both recording four-above-par 76. 

Biola continues their Arizona road trip with the RJGA Palm Valley Classic on Friday, April 4th at the Palm Valley Golf Club.