KIRKWOOD, Mo. – The Drake University women's golf team got off to a strong start after day one at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship at Greenbriar Hills Country Club (Par 71, 5830 yards) on Sunday (April 17). The Bulldogs shot a combined 309 in the opening round and are locked in a four-way tie for third place in the team standings. The golfers played through steady rain with temperatures in the low 50s. 
 
Aayushi Sarkar is tied for third overall after a 75 (+4) in the first round followed closely by Kristen Giles (76, +5), who recorded the round's only eagle on the third hole (par 5, 515 yards).
 
Seniors Haeri Lee and Sam Paulak both turned in a 79 (+8) while Abby Marting (83) rounded out Drake's lineup after day one.
 
Indiana State (304) and Missouri State (308) hold the top two spots with 18 holes in the books.

The second round of the MVC Championship is slated to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 18.