LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. – The Southwest Minnesota State women's golf team opened its spring season on Monday shooting a 35-over-par 323 in the first round of the 12-team SMSU Spring Invitational held at Wigwam Resort Red Course.
 
Grand Valley State (Mich.) is the first round team leader carding a score of 3-over 291 and holds a four-shot advantage over Academy of Art (Calif.).
 
Berkley Steffen led SMSU during the first round shooting a 6-over 78 with two birdies and nine pars to sit in a tie for 21^st place in the 79-player field.
 
Danielle Podoll carded a 7-over 79 with 11 pars to sit in a tie for 24^th place. Isabella Jacobs made 12 pars on her way to a 9-over 81 and is tied for 34^th. Meghan Pundsack made one birdie and six pars to finish at 13-over 85, while Mallory Uselman closed with one birdie and six pars for a round of 17-over 89.
 
Natalie Appel was one of four Mustangs to play as an individual recording a 9-over 81, with one birdie and nine pars.
 
The second and final round begins at 12 p.m. CDT on Tuesday.