RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – University of Wyoming sophomore golfer Emily Woodard turned in a career-best round of 74 (+2) to lead the Cowgirls on the opening day of the Mountain West Championship on Thursday. Wyoming is in eighth place in the nine-team field after turning in a score of 322 (+10) on the par-72, 6,324-yard Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club.

 “I was proud of the way we persevered and got over the nerves and maintain our play,” UW head coach Josey Stender said. “We left a few shots out there, but overall it was a good effort and we know tomorrow is a new day.”

 Woodard sits tied for 12th place in the 45-golfer field. Woodard’s score was the lowest by a Cowgirl at the championship since Juanita Rico carded a 73 (+1) in the second round of the 2012 MW Championship. Senior Stacey Blunt is tied for 19thplace at 76 (+4).

“Emily (Woodard) is a perfect example of a golfer with patience and confidence and that can carry you so far on the golf course and I’m proud of how far she has come,” Stender said.

Junior Samantha Stancato wrapped up the first round at 78 (+6), as she tied for 30th place. She posted a solid round after opening with a four over-par in the first three holes of play. Senior Emily Wood turned in a scorecard of 82 (+10), as she is in 42nd place. Freshman Mackenzie Barrie finished her first round of her career at the MW Championships with an 88 (+16), as she is tied for 44th place.

No. 43 San Diego State is the leader after the opening day finishing at 293 (+5). The Aztecs are followed closely by San Jose State at 294 (+6). New Mexico is in third place turning in a 295 (+7). Boise State and Fresno State are in striking distance at 296 (+8).

Five individuals sit tied atop of the leader board after the first 18-holes of play. San Diego State’s Emma Henrikson, San Jose State’s My Leander, New Mexico’s Manon Molle, Fresno State’s Gudrun Bjorgvinsdottir and Madchen Ly are all at 71 (-1).

The second round of the MW Championship will begin Friday at 8 a.m. MT. Fans can follow live results through Golfstat.com.

First Round Team Standings

1              San Diego State: 293 (+5)

2              San Jose State: 294 (+6)

3              New Mexico: 295 (+7)

T4           Boise State: 296 (+8)

T4           Fresno State: 296 (+8)

6              UNLV: 303 (+15)

7              Nevada: 308 (+20)

8              Wyoming: 310 (+22)

9.            Colorado State: 311 (+23)

Wyoming Individual Results

T12         Emily Woodard: 74 (+2) = 74 (+2)

T19         Stacey Blunt: 76 (+4) = 76 (+4)

T30         Samantha Stancato: 78 (+6) = 78 (+6)

42           Emily Wood: 82 (+10) = 82 (+10)

T44         Mackenzie Barrie: 88 (+16) = 88 (+16)