PLEASANTON—After its disappointing spring season start at last week's RJGA Visit Stockton Invitational, the Chico State women's golf team rebounded nicely Monday during first round play at the Cal State East Bay-hosted Bay Area Invitational. The Wildcats finished the opening 18 holes carding a collective 34-over par 326, good for third place in action at Callippe Preserve Golf Course in Pleasanton.
 
Kelsey Blaylock registered the 'Cats' low round score Monday. In a bid to post her second top 10 tournament finish of the season, Blaylock fired a 6-over par 79 to earn a share of seventh place on the individual leaderboard. The senior enjoyed an outstanding start to her round, playing at just 2-over through her first 11 holes.
 
Natalie Kinney is in a four-way tie for 10th place at the Bay Area Invitational thanks to an opening round 80. Two birdies and an eagle highlighted Kinney's 18 holes on Monday.
 
Taylor Stewart bagged a pair of birdies and finished the first round in 14th place with an 8-over par 81. Wildcat Melanie Anderson, playing as an individual, also racked up two birdies plus an eagle Monday to wrap up the opening round in 18th place at 12-over 85.
 
Trinity Hernandez grabbed a share of 19th place with an opening round 86. Kelly More rounded out the Chico State scorecard, shooting a 91 to tie for 29th place in the 33-player field.
 
Cal State East Bay leads midway through the Bay Area Invitational with a team score of 4-over par 296, 21 shots better than second place Holy Names (+25 317). UC Santa Cruz is in fourth place, trailing the Wildcats by six strokes heading into Tuesday's final round.
 
Cal State East Bay boasts the top four golfers on the individual leaderboard, with Jasmine Krishna holding a one shot lead on the strength of a 1-under par 72.
 
Tuesday's final round of the Bay Area Invitational gets underway with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. Wildcats fans can keep up with the results online; the link for updates is accessible at www.chicowildcats.com in the calendar section of the website's homepage, and on the women's golf schedule page.