LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Houston Christian women's golf opened play at the Golf Iconic Classic with a strong collective effort, finishing Round 1 tied for sixth at 3-under as a team at the New Mexico State University Golf Course. Boise State leads the tournament at 12-under, followed by San Diego State (-6) and Long Beach State (-5).

Natcha Makmanee led the way for the Huskies with a stellar 4-under 68, placing her tied for fourth individually. She started hot with a birdie on the opening hole, then caught fire with an eagle on the par-5 third and another birdie on five to go 4-under through the front nine. Makmanee added a late birdie on 16 before closing with a steady par on 18, capping a composed and confident round that set the tone for HCU's day.

Alyssa Stewart followed with a strong 2-under 70 to stand tied for 13th. Stewart played steady golf throughout, making the turn at 1-under before collecting birdies on 11, 12, and 14. Despite a pair of late bogeys, her poised putting and accuracy on approach shots kept her well within striking distance of the leaders.

Hailey Hendershott posted a 1-over 73 to open the tournament in 40th. After a slow start, she rebounded with a composed back nine highlighted by a birdie on the par-3 17th, carding an even 35 on the inward half.

Sara Pihlajamaki turned in a 2-over 74 to sit tied for 53rd. The junior maintained a consistent pace throughout her round, notching a birdie on 10 to offset bogeys on 7, 9, 12, and 17.

Rounding out the lineup, Serena Churchill carded a 4-over 76 to place tied for 77th. After a tough front nine, Churchill showed resilience on the back, finishing strong with a birdie on 17 and a solid 37 on her closing stretch.

The Huskies will tee off in Tuesday's second round at 9:30 a.m. alongside players from UC Irvine, Santa Clara, and Northern Arizona. Stewart, Makmanee, Hendershott, Pihlajamaki, and Churchill will look to build on a solid opening performance and continue climbing the leaderboard heading into Wednesday's final round.