YANKTON, S.D. – College of Saint Mary Golf Coach Keri Rodriguez was more than pleased by what she saw from her squad in the team's season opener Thursday and Friday.

The Flames participated in the Mount Marty Golf Invitational at Fox Run Golf Course both days and finished tied for fifth out of 18 teams. CSM sat in sixth place after the opening round and moved up after Friday's competition.

"We improved by 12 strokes today and we reached our goal to be in fifth place or better," Rodriguez said. "I'm super proud of how my team handled themselves mentally on the course – especially the new freshmen."

Bellevue University won the tournament with a two-day total of 634. Morningside University took second with 648, Mount Marty University placed third with 669 and Dakota Wesleyan University finished fourth with 679. The Flames shot a 347 on Thursday and a 335 on Friday for a two-day total of 682 to tie Northwestern College.

Sofia Castelan from Morningside was the medalist with a 78-73—151.

CSM's Emily Faubel landed in the Top 10 to medal with her scores of 81 on Thursday and 84 on Friday for 165.

Also for the Flames, Katie Freeman posted an 85-82—167; Ritzy Dominguez carded an 88-84—172; Gabby Sinnett finished with an 93-85—178 and Anna Moore scored 100-91—191.

Rodriguez said the Mount Marty tournament was a perfect way for the Flames to kick off the season. They return to action Sept. 13-14 in the Lila Frommelt Fall Classic at Two Rivers Golf Course in North Sioux City, S.D.

"We got to see what our competition is like for this year and know we will have to work hard to keep in the upper ranks in the GPAC," Rodriguez said.