Lansing Sun

The Michigan State women's golf team finished the first round of the NCAA East Lansing Regional tied for sixth place. They shot a 3-over-par 291 at Forest Akers West on Monday. The top-seeded University of Southern California (USC) leads the field with a 7-under 281, followed by Pepperdine and Northwestern.

USC's Bailey Shoemaker set a new course record with a 7-under 65, placing her atop the individual leaderboard. MSU coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll noted, "We certainly had enough birdies to do what we needed to do," but also acknowledged mistakes on familiar holes.

Despite playing on their home course, MSU began slowly but improved with three birdies on the par-5 13th hole. Junior Katie Lu and Brooke Biermann both scored even-par rounds, tying for 19th place individually.

Senior Leila Raines contributed five birdies to end with a 1-over 73. Sophomore Paula Balanzategui matched that birdie count, finishing at 2-over-par. Senior Valentina Rossi concluded her round at nine over par.

Slobodnik-Stoll expressed confidence in her team's experience and emphasized mental resilience: "They know what they're doing and it's their home course."

The second round begins Tuesday morning at Forest Akers West Course.