ABILENE, Texas — Hardin-Simmons placed three golfers among the top eight individually and opened a commanding 15-shot lead after the first round of the Abilene Intercollegiate on Monday at Live
Oak Golf Club.

The Cowgirls posted a team score of 305, finishing well ahead of East Texas Baptist (320) and Schreiner (326) heading into the final round.

Hardin-Simmons was led by senior Shay West, who fired an even-par 71 to take the individual lead after 18 holes. West carded three birdies and finished with a steady back-nine 36 to hold a three-shot advantage entering Tuesday's final round.

Teammate Addison Payne sits second after shooting 3-over-par 74. Payne recorded birdies on Nos. 4, 13 and 15 and was the only player within three shots of West after the opening day.
Jessica Pratt gave the Cowgirls a third player inside the top eight, shooting 79 to tie for eighth place.

East Texas Baptist's Hallie Westfall and Schreiner's Rebecca Mitchell are tied for third at 76, while Texas Lutheran's Belle Asbury shares third place after matching 76.

Katie Mae Hensley is tied for 12th for Hardin-Simmons after an 81, while Ariana Chavez is tied for 17th after posting an 83. Khalan Green and Abby Shumate shot 83 and 84 respectively playing as individuals. Both players recorded their low career round.

The tournament concludes Tuesday with the final 18 holes at Live Oak Golf Club. TEAM STANDINGS
1. Hardin-Simmons, 305
2. East Texas Baptist, 320
3. Schreiner, 326
4. McMurry, 332
5. Centenary, 335
6. Texas Lutheran, 350
 
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
1. Shay West, Hardin-Simmons , 71
2. Addison Payne, Hardin-Simmons, 74
T3. Belle Asbury, Texas Lutheran, 76
T3. Hallie Westfall, East Texas Baptist, 76
T3. Rebecca Mitchell, Schreiner , 76
6. Abigail Cavazos, Texas Lutheran, 77
7. Aubrey Morin, McMurry, 78
T8. Jessica Pratt, Hardin-Simmons , 79
T8. Madisyn Davis, East Texas Baptist, 79
T8. Rylee Beard, East Texas Baptist, 79
 
HARDIN-SIMMONS SCORES
1. Shay West, 71
2. Addison Payne, 74
T8. Jessica Pratt, 79
T12. Katie Mae Hensley, 81
T17. Ariana Chavez, 83
T17. Kahlan Green (IND), 83
T21. Abby Shumate (IND), 84
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