Schroeder in fourth through 18 holes, No. 76 BYU sits seventh at Big 12 Championship

Ava Schroeder was one of eight players to fire off an under-par first round.

Author Glen Guerrette
Schroeder in fourth through 18 holes, No. 76 BYU sits seventh at Big 12 ChampionshipSchroeder in fourth through 18 holes, No. 76 BYU sits seventh at Big 12 Championship
Brendan Maloney

DALLAS — No. 76 women’s golf posted an 8-over 296 in the opening round of the Big 12 Women’s Golf Championship on Thursday to put itself tied for seventh at Dallas Athletic Club.

"It was a decent start," head coach Carrie Roberts said. "We are in a decent position, but need a good moving day tomorrow. The girls are doing a really good job of keeping their composure and staying super decisive and committed."

The Cougars led the field in Par 3 scoring and carded the third-most birdies in the field on their way to an 8-over-par day. Three BYU players ended the round inside the top-25.

Houston finished its first 18 holes in the lead at 3-under par, with three golfers within the top-10. UCF’s 1-under-par Thursday was the only other score below par out of all schools. This put the Knights in second with two rounds to play. Iowa State concluded the day in tied for third with Oklahoma State at 5-over par, and Arizona State right behind them at 6-over par to round out the top-5 through one round.

Ava Schroeder sits in a tie for fourth-place after recording a 1-under 71. The sophomore was one of eight golfers to shoot a round below par on the day, and remains two strokes back of first place.

"I did a good job adjusting to the wind committing to some uncomfortable shots," Schroeder said. "The part of my game that was best was probably my irons. I was able to place the ball in spots that gave myself opportunities. The main emphasis for me and from my coaches is to stick to my process, and stay focused in the present, committing to one shot at a time and doing my very best." 

Lily McCauley found herself with a share of 17th at 1-over par through the opening 18 hole after finshing with a team-high five birdies.

Currently one stroke behind McCauley, Maria Jose “MJ” Barragan carded a 2-over-par day to sit tied for 23rd.

Whitney Banz and Kanyanol (Naji) Aramkul share the 54th spot at 6-over par. 

BYU will set foot on the 6,270-yard Gold Course on Friday to tee off round two at 7:50 a.m. MDT. Follow live scoring on Scoreboard, with more updates on Instagram and X.