RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (April 17, 2017) – Freshman Erin Sargent posted a first-round 74 (+2) to lead the way for the University of Wyoming women's golf team after day one of Mountain West Championship Monday at the Mission Hills Country Club. As a team, the Cowgirls ended the opening round in eighth place (310, +22) and one shot ahead of Colorado State. UW is just two shots off Boise State, who is in seventh place of the nine MW teams. 

For Sargent, the Longmont, Colo., native led the Brown and Gold with four birdies during the round. Two on the front nine and two to close out the day. She is sitting in a tie for 17th with two rounds remaining. 

"Erin (Sargent) and Megan (Knadler) played rock solid today and came to compete," Cowgirl head coach Josey Stender said. "As a team, we had some nervous moments that we haven't had all season and ended up costing us a few strokes. We are not out of it by any means but we need to be more composed and confident like we have played all season."

Sophomore Megan Knadler recorded three birdies at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course on Monday to sit tied for 30th of the 45-individual golfers. She shot a 38 on the back nine to bring her first-day total to 77 (+5). Knadler closed out last year's championship with a 77 (+5) for her best round of the tournament.

Junior Gabrielle Gibson shot a 79 (+7) on Monday, which is one shot off her MW Championship low. Gibson shot a 78 (+6) during the 2015 championship during her freshman season. She currently owns a share of 33rd place, as redshirt sophomore Sarah Hankins is one shot behind Gibson and tied for 35th. Senior Mackenzie Barrie scored an 83 (+11) during the opening round and is tied for 44th to round out the Cowgirls. 

No. 30 San Diego State, No. 45 UNLV and New Mexico hold the top team spot after the first day with a 287 (-1). All 15 of its participants are within the top-25 after the first round. New Mexico's Manon Molle is the individual leader through the first round with a 68 (-4). 

Round two will resume tomorrow morning with tee times beginning at 8 a.m. MT. Live scoring will be available at the link above and at Golfstat.com.

T17. Erin Sargent: 74 (+2)

T30. Megan Knadler: 77 (+5)

T33. Gabrielle Gibson: 79 (+7)

T35. Sarah Hankins:  80 (+8)

T44. Mackenzie Barrie: 83 (+11)

T1. San Diego State: 287 (-1)

T1. UNLV: 287 (-1)

T1. New Mexico: 287 (-1)

4. Fresno State: 292 (+4)

5. San Jose State: 297 (+9)

6. Nevada: 304 (+16)

7. Boise State: 308 (+20)

8. Wyoming: 310 (+22)

9. Colorado State: 311 (+23)