SEASIDE, Calif. – For the past few weeks, the Chico State women’s golf team has been looking for the spark that would kick-start the Wildcats’ 2009-10 season. Following a pair of seventh place finishes in its last two events, Chico State found itself in ninth place after Monday’s opening round of the Lady Otter Invitational, being played at the par-73, 5,870 yard Bayonet Golf Course in Seaside.

Collectively, Chico State posted a team score of 45-over par 337. Shelby Hooper provided the Wildcats’ best individual mark, earning a share of 10th place in the 66 player field with a 7-over par 80. Megan Chang shot a 10-over 83, and was among a group of golfers tied for 35th place. Erin Sears finished tied for 41st place with a 12-over par 85, while Tiara Wells ended up in 59th place with a 16-over 89. Whitney Vau rounded out the Wildcats’ scorecard with a 20-over par 93 and a tie for 56th place.

California Baptist University was the Lady Otter Invitational’s first round leader with a team score of 15-over par 307, with host school Cal State Monterey Bay in second place, six strokes back at 21-over 313. Nathalie Silva of California Baptist delivered the opening round’s best individual score with a 1-under par 72.

ROUND ONE RESULTS

The Lady Otter Invitational concludes with Tuesday’s second round, slated to begin at 8:30 a.m.