Bearcats lead home tourney by nine

The Northwest Missouri State golf team battled tough conditions and a three-hour rain delay before taking a nine shot lead after day one of the Bearcat Fall Classic Thursday afternoon at Mozingo Lake Golf Course.

The Bearcats were paced on their home course by Cassie Lowell and Steph Charteris. The duo sits in first and third place respectively after Thursday's blustery round.

Lowell fired a first round 78 to lead all golfers and rests two strokes ahead of Missouri Western's Callie Wilson. Charteris completed her day just three shots behind Lowell with an 81 after first round action.

As a team the Bearcats hold a nine shot lead after firing a first round 331. Missouri Western lurks in second place as they completed the day with a 340. William Jewell is just behind the Griffons at 345 as first-year program Central Missouri and Ottawa round out the top five.

Although high scores plagued most of the field, four Bearcats finished Thursday sitting in the top 10.

Tess Edwards held onto the 10th spot after a first round 81.

All three of Northwest's individuals sit in the top 15 as well, paced by Amber Norman who is tied for seventh after an 86.

Today's final round will tee off with a 10 a.m. shotgun start at Mozingo Lake Golf Course.