RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2017) – Sophomore Megan Knadler and junior Gabrielle Gibson are tied for eighth as they headlined the Wyoming women's golf team's return to competition on Monday at the Battle at the Rock in Riverside, Calif. They are both six shots off the leader after their two-round total of 150 (+6). As a team, UW is tied for seventh of the 16 squads with a 36-hole score of 617 (+41). 

Knadler posted rounds of 74 (+2) and 76 (+4) at the 6,110-yard, par-72 Oak Quarry Golf Club, while Gibson had a first-round mark of 78 (+6) and then followed with a 72 (E) to close out the day.  

"I am pleased with our overall play for it being the first time out in a few months," Cowgirl head coach Josey Stender said. "The course played very tough for us for most of the day due to high winds and extreme elevation change, but the girls remained committed to every shot. It was great to see confident, solid play out of Megan (Knadler) and Gabrielle (Gibson). 

Mackenzie Barrie shot a 155 (+11) to begin the tournament. The senior opened play with a 77 (+5) before a second-round score of 78 (+6) for the Brown and Gold. Barrie is tied for 30th with one round remaining. Freshman Erin Sargent was one of two golfers on Monday to record an eagle. Sargent eagled the sixth hole during the first round of play. She is sitting tied for 62nd with a score of 162 (+18). 

Playing in her first tournament as a Cowgirl, redshirt sophomore Michelle Romano is tied with Sargent with a mark of 162 (+18). Romano, playing as an individual, posted scores of 79 (+7) and 83 (+11) during the opening day in Riverside.

Like Romano, junior Klara Castillo is also playing as an individual for UW. Castillo began the day with an 85 (+13) before firing an 80 (+8) in the afternoon.  Sophomore Sarah Hankins is one just back of Castillo with a two-round total of 166 (+22). She shot an 85 (+13) and closed out with an 80 (+8) for UW. 

Hawaii holds the top spot as a team with a two-round total of 599 (+23). Cal Poly is five shots back with 301 (+28). Northern Arizona's Sofia Anokhina is the individual leader after the first day. She fired a 144 (E), as CSU Fullerton's Martina Edberg and Pauline Welker are tied for second place two shots back. 

The Battle of the Rock concludes Tuesday morning, with the final round set to begin with tee times at 8:30 a.m. MT.

T8. Megan Knadler: 74 (+2) – 76 (+4) = 150 (+6)

T8. Gabrielle Gibson: 78 (+6) – 72 (E) = 150 (+6)

T30. Mackenzie Barrie: 77 (+5) – 78 (+6) = 155 (+11)

T62. Michelle Romano: 79 (+7) – 83 (+18) = 162 (+18) *

T62. Erin Sargent: 82 (+10) – 80 (+8) = 162 (+18)

T70. Klara Castillo: 85 (+13) – 80 (+8) = 165 (+21) *

T74. Sarah Hankins: 86 (+14) – 80 (+8) = 166 (+22)

 *Playing as an individual.