Mustangs Fire Record Low 18 Hole Round to Capture the Lead After Day One of Kohawk Classic

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Mount Mercy secured a record low round at the Kohawk Classic on Saturday at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course, finishing at 9-over to outpace the field, shooting a program 18 hole low of 297, breaking the previous low of 299. 

The Mustangs posted a balanced performance across the lineup, edging Dubuque, which finished second at 16-over. Wartburg placed third at 26-over, while Wartburg's B team claimed fourth at 39-over.

Individually, Mount Mercy was led by Chiara Bothe, who took first overall at one-under par. Gracie Murray followed closely, securing third place with an even par round. Carli Irvine gave the Mustangs three players inside the top five with her fourth-place finish, firing an opening round score of two-over.

Kyla Johnson was the final Mustang to post a score, placing 20th at eight-over par, while Lauren McPhillips-Newcomb contributed with a tie for 31st. Mount Mercy also had several individuals competing unattached. Bretlyn Decker and Grace Haas tied for 12th, giving the program two more top-15 finishes. Hailey Shaw and Ila Fontaine each tied for 31st, matching McPhillips-Newcomb.

The Mustangs will look to fire off another impressive round in the opening tournament of the season, finishing the Kohawk Classic on Sunday in Cedar Falls.