BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Morgan Ellison is tied for sixth place and the UTSA women's golf team is in sixth after the first day of the Dale McNamara Invitational, which teed off on Monday at Cedar Ridge Country Club (par 72/6,302 yards).
Ellison has carded an even-par 144 through the first 36 holes to help the Roadrunners post a 595 (303-292) for sixth, three shots ahead of BYU and only three strokes behind fifth-place James Madison in the 13-team field.
Ellison opened the 54-hole event with a 3-over 75 that featured a trio of birdies. The sophomore from Peachtree City, Georgia, bounced back with a 3-under 69 in the afternoon behind two more birdies and an eagle on the 452-yard, par-5 17th hole. She is only four shots off the pace of 4-under 140 set by individual leader Melanie Green of USF with 18 holes left to play on Tuesday.
Camryn Carreon is just two strokes behind her teammate in a tie for 12th at 2-over 146. The senior from San Antonio matched Ellison with a 75 in the opening round before recording a 71 that was highlighted by a pair of birdies and an eagle on No. 17.
Daniela Abonce has a share of 20th place at 5-over 149. The freshman from Mexico fired a 75 in the morning behind two birdies and then posted a one-shot improvement for round two.
Hunter Nugent and Olivia Williams round out the UTSA lineup in 60th (78-78—156) and 70th (80-81—161), respectively, while Lauren Rios is in a tie for 62nd (77-80—157) playing as an individual.
USF leads the team race at 1-under 575, followed by Tulsa (578), North Texas (586) and Nebraska (589).
The final round is set for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start on Tuesday and the Roadrunners will be paired with Nebraska and James Madison.
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