GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The Colorado State University Pueblo women's golf team wasted no time making a statement in the desert, surging to the top of the leaderboard after the opening round of the Women's Palm Valley Classic at Palm Valley Golf Club in Goodyear, Arizona.

In a loaded 27-team field packed with top programs from across the West Region, the ThunderWolves delivered one of their most complete rounds of the spring, firing a three-over par 291 to claim the outright lead heading into day two. CSU Pueblo holds a narrow one-shot advantage over both Cal State San Marcos and West Texas A&M, who sit tied for second at four-over par.

Leading the charge for the Pack was Swedish standout Lisa Ekberg, who turned in a poised and polished round of one-under par 71. Ekberg's round set the tone early and provided CSU Pueblo with a steady anchor atop the leaderboard, as she navigated the Palm Valley layout with precision and consistency.

Right behind her, Yale Lee added another strong score to the ThunderWolves' card, carding an even-par 72 to keep CSU Pueblo firmly in control throughout the round. Olivia Heard and Thale Victoria Estensen each contributed matching two-over par rounds of 74, giving the Pack four consistent counting scores and showcasing the team's depth in a highly competitive field.

Rounding out the scoring lineup, senior captain Freya Constable delivered a four-over 76, helping solidify a balanced team effort that proved to be the difference-maker on day one.

With momentum on their side, the ThunderWolves will head into the second round in the final pairing, set to tee it up alongside Cal State San Marcos and West Texas A&M. With the leaderboard tightly packed and championship-caliber teams chasing just one stroke back, CSU Pueblo will look to maintain its composure and continue its strong play as the tournament unfolds in Arizona.