SMITHVILLE, Mo. – The Minot State women’s golf team opened play at the NSIC Championships on Friday and played their way into the middle of the standings after 18 holes.

Shooting a 53-over 341 at the Paradise Pointe Golf Club, the Beavers find themselves in 8th place, but just 11 shots out of the top 4 as Concordia, St. Paul, Wayne State, Mary, and Sioux Falls are all clustered within striking distance for Minot State.

The second round of the three-day event is slated for Saturday.

Jaci Jones led the way for the Beavers as she was tied for 16th after an opening-round 8-over 80. She is followed by teammates Holly Knudsen and Taylor Cormier who are tied for 27th after matching 13-over 85s. Lauren Keller is 50th at 19-over 91, and Zoe Banack is tied for 51st after a 20-over 92.

Augustana leads the team race by five shots over Minnesota State, Mankato as the Vikings turned in a 12-over 300 on Friday. Augustana’s Lauren Tims holds a one-shot edge on Winona State’s Carly Moon as Tims shot a 1-under 71 for the opening 18 holes.