PUEBLO, Colo. - The Colorado State University Pueblo Women's Golf team showcased their home-course knowledge Monday as the ThunderWolves wrapped up day one of the NCAA West Region Preview Invite at Pueblo Country Club. Playing on one of the most demanding layouts in southern Colorado, the Pack battled through firm fairways, thick rough, and the course's famously undulated greens to finish the opening round in second place with a team score of 300 (+16).
Only the defending NCAA Division II National Champions, Dallas Baptist University, managed to edge the ThunderWolves, carding a five-over 289 to take the overnight lead. Cal State San Marcos sits in third at 304 (+20), followed by Cal State Los Angeles and Western Washington, who are tied for fourth at 309 (+25).
At 5,900 yards and playing to a par 71, Pueblo Country Club proved a stern test for the 2025 NCAA West Super Regional host site. The ThunderWolves displayed poise throughout the lineup, proving their readiness for postseason-level competition.
Leading the charge was junior transfer Olivia Heard, who continued to impress in her first semester with the Pack. The United Kingdom native fired a steady two-over 73, good for seventh place individually after 18 holes.
Yale Lee, another English standout, turned in a 75 (+4) to sit 13th overall, while senior captain Freya Constable and freshman phenom Thale Victoria Estensen each posted matching rounds of 76 (+5) to share 18th place. Stinson, the Norwegian newcomer who already captured a collegiate win earlier this fall, once again showed her consistency under pressure.
Rounding out the team scoring, junior All-RMAC performer Lisa Ekberg delivered a solid 77 (+6) to keep CSU Pueblo firmly in contention.
The ThunderWolves also saw strong performances from two individuals. Freshman Payton Connelly, competing in just her second collegiate event, carded a 77 (+6), while Sinead Ni Cheilleachair shot an 81 (+10)
The ThunderWolves will look to make a final-day charge when play resumes Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. With a chance to chase down the defending national champions and further establish their strength on the regional stage, CSU Pueblo's focus remains on executing cleanly and building confidence ahead of next spring's NCAA West Super Regional, which will also take place at Pueblo Country Club.
