The Briar Cliff women's and men's golf teams are in first and fifth place, respectively after day one of the Central Baptist Invite at the Country Club of Arkansas. Helene Getz Bergmo is the leader on the women's side after 18 holes, while Shaunak Rama is tied for second.
 
The Charger women are first with a team score of 340 (+52) and lead by 19 strokes over second place Central Christian. BC men's team is fifth at +24 and are just 12 strokes off the leader Williams Baptist.

"This was the first tournament for the women's team, and they showed resilience and confidence throughout much of the day," said Irlbeck. "Helene and Molly lead the tournament individually with 81 and 82, respectively. Our hard work over the winter months is paying off!"
 
Bergmo carded an 81 (+9) and has a one stroke lead over teammate Molly Diekmann who is tied for second at +10. After a +6 front nine, Bergmo shot +3 on the second nine while tallying back-to-back birdies on hole 10 and 11. Diekmann also turned in a solid back nine with a +2 and one birdie.
 
Grace Johanson is tied for 11th with an 88 (+16) and is tied for 11th. Abbigale Miller rounds out the scoring for the Cliff with an 89 (+17) and is tied for 13th. Emily Harste was the fifth member of the team and posted a 93 (+14).
 
"The guys started the day early - early golf in the spring can be cold - today was no different," said head coach Ben Irlbeck. "As temps came up, the guys started to get into a groove. The course is a very narrow, old-style course. It's very easy to lose golf balls with errant swings plus the greens are Bermuda grass - not something we ever play on in the tri-state area. I am very pleased with our current placing and hope the tournament experience will help us climb national rankings."
 
Rama's opening round score of 72 (+1) has him tied for second in a highly completive field of men's golfers. He rolled in two birdies in the front nine and made the turn at -1 but turned in a +1 back nine to finish with a score of 72 (E). 
 
Andrew Arndorfer posted a 77 (+5) is t-15th. He played his back nine at -1 with two birdies. Mason Collins is t-35th at +8 and rolled in two birdies. Gregorio Fernandez and Davess Verdugo carded matching 83's (+11) and are t-48th.
 
"We are praying for good weather as the forecast looks rainy most of the day tomorrow," noted Irlbeck.
 
The Chargers are back at the Country Club of Arkansas tomorrow for the final round of the Central Baptist Invite. Round two starts at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start.