BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Chico State women's golf team opened the WWU Women's Invitational in fourth place after posting a 315 in Monday's first round at Bellingham Golf and Country Club. The opening round began following a 30-minute frost delay, but the Wildcats put together a solid performance to position themselves near the top of the leaderboard heading into Tuesday's final round.

Gabriella Fanucchi led the Wildcats' lineup, finishing the opening round tied for eighth place with a 5-over 77. Fanucchi also ranked among the top five players in the field in both par-3 scoring and birdies made.

Ariana Blagrove followed closely behind, finishing tied for 13th with a 6-over 78. Blagrove demonstrated consistency throughout the day, recording 11 pars to rank second in the field in total pars made.

Sophia Magaña rounded out Chico State's top three individual performances, finishing tied for 16th after carding a 7-over 79. 

Chico State will return to Bellingham Golf and Country Club on Tuesday for the second and final round of the WWU Women's Invitational, with play scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.