HURRICANE, Utah – University of Colorado Colorado Springs senior Alex Darwin led the Mountain Lions with a 5-over 77 as all five golfers finished within four strokes of each other on the first day of the Dixie State Invitational at Sand Hollow Golf Course. The Mountain Lions are fifth in the team standings with a 27-over 315.

Darwin tied for eighth overall and is seven strokes off the lead. She is in position for her second top-10 finish of the season. Julia Baroth is one stroke behind Darwin and tied for No. 13 with three birdies. She tied for the best performance in the tournament on the par-5 holes with a score of 2-under.

McKenna Vanko is one stroke behind Baroth with a 7-over 79. She was even on the par-3 holes. Timbrelee McNair and Megan Vernon tied for the final team score with a 9-over 81. Vernon's score was the second-best round for her this season.

UCCS is five strokes behind fourth-place Colorado Mesa. The Mountain Lions are 12 strokes behind the tournament leader, Somona State.

UCCS will be paired with Chico State, Western Washington and Point Loma in Tuesday's final round. The teams will tee off at 8 a.m., on holes 12 through 16.