HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Houston Christian women's golf team kicked off the Diamante Intercollegiate at Diamante Country Club in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, with strong individual performances in Round 1. Competing against a deep NCAA Division I field, the Huskies finished tied for 13th as a team, recording a combined score of +9.

Sara Pihlajamaki led the team with an even-par 72, finishing tied for 24th. She posted a 39 on the front nine but bounced back with a 33 on the back nine, maintaining composure and closing solidly in the middle of the leaderboard. Serena Churchill also tied for 24th with an even-par 72, shooting 36 on both nines and capitalizing on birdie opportunities on holes 5, 8, and 11 to stay level with par.

Hailey Hendershott finished 65th with a 76, struggling early with a front nine 40 but stabilizing on the back nine with a 36. Alyssa Stewart shot 77 to place 77th, rebounding from an early front nine 41 to finish even-par 36 on the inward nine.

Natcha Makmanee ended 87th with a 78, posting a 38 on the front nine and a challenging 40 on the back nine but showing determination throughout. Competing individually, Alejandra Ferrer carded a 73 to finish 37th, delivering a strong front nine 35 and a back nine 38 with several under-par holes highlighting her potential.

The Huskies return to action tomorrow with tee times beginning at 8:30 a.m., including Sara Pihlajamaki, Serena Churchill, Hailey Hendershott, Alyssa Stewart, Natcha Makmanee, and Alejandra Ferrer all set to take the course in the morning waves. Fans can follow the team leaderboard and player stats as Houston Christian looks to improve and climb the leaderboard over the weekend.