The Drake University women's golf team finished the first day of the UTRGV Invitational in sixth place out of 13 teams after two rounds. The Bulldogs tee off Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. CST for the third and final round of the tournament at McAllen Country Club in McAllen, Texas.

The Bulldogs carded a first-day 311-308–619 to open play.

The Bulldogs were paced by Haeri Lee (75-74) whose 36-hole total of 149 is ninth overall. Kristin Giles was finished the day tied for 10th with a 150 (74-76). Lee played par-5's three-under-par through the first two rounds, which is tied for the lowest in the field. Giles recorded 23 pars and five birdies through the first 36 holes on the par-72, 6,057-yard McAllen Country Club.

Sam Paulak finished tied for 36th (80-79), and Abby Marting and Aimee Gerschke finished tied for 44th (82-81) and tied for 53rd (87-79), respectively. As a team, Drake averaged 4.23 on par-4s, which was the third-best average in the field.

"Overall, today was a good day. I'm proud of the way the ladies carried themselves, and gave it everything they had," said head coach Rachael Pruett-Hornbaker. "We had two rounds that could have easily slipped into the 320's and they kept their heads in it to make sure that didn't happen. We are excited to get back out there and compete again tomorrow."

Incarnate Word finished the first day on top of the team standings with a 296-298–594.

Following the conclusion of the event, Drake's next event is the Redrocks Invitational in Sedona, Ariz. on March 21-22.

UTRGV Invitational
McAllen Country Club
Par: 72 Yardage: 6,057

6. Drake, 311-308 - 619
9. Haeri Lee, 75-74 - 149
T10. Kristen Giles, 74-76 - 150
T36. Sam Paulak, 80-79 - 159
T44. Abby Marting, 82-81 - 163
T53. Aimee Gerschke, 87-79 - 166