The Northwest Missouri State women’s golf team got their season off to a successful start on friday taking home first place at the William Jewell Invitational at the Cardinal Hill Golf Club in Liberty.

Northwest golfers opened on Thursday in Liberty shooting the team’s 2010-11 average at 343. That would put the Bearcats in a tie for third and just three shots back of Rockhurst on Friday. As well as sitting in third as a team, the Bearcats grouped three golfers individually with a first round 84 (+12) and tied for third as well.

Staying within striking distance on Friday the Bearcats came out hungry and were led by freshman Ashley Powers. Powers finished with a team low, 78 good for third in her first collegiate tournament. Her 78 on Friday also tied an program record for individual low score, set by Cassie Lowell last season.

Lowell would also steady her ship as shooting 80 in her final round for a two day total of 164 and a fifth place finish.

Giving the Bearcats a 3-4-5 finish would be another freshman, Steph Charteris who carded a final day 77. The Ontario, Canada, native finished at 168 for the tournament as her Friday round helped Northwest seal their first tournament win of the fall season.

Tess Edwards, who sat in third place after Thursday’s round, would drop five places after a final round 85.

The Bearcat golfers recorded their lowest team score on a par 72 course and the second lowest total in the program’s young history.

Northwest will be back in action on Sept. 17 for a one day tournament in Lamoni, Iowa, for the Graceland Yellowjacket Fall Invitational.

— NWMSU Sports Information —