COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Junior Emily Faubel of College of Saint Mary fired a first-round 78 on Monday and is in a six-way tie for fourth place at the midway point of the Iowa Western Spring Invite at Bent Tree Golf Club.

"Emily played an outstanding round,'' CSM Coach Keri Rodriguez said. "She eagled No. 15, a par 5, and the second-hardest hole on the course.''

Faubel also had three birdies in her round.

In the team competition, CSM is sixth of the eight teams entering day two. The Flames shot a 344. Iowa Western Community College and Doane University ended day one tied for first with scores of 318.

"I knew this tournament would challenge us,'' Rodriguez said. "Bent Tree is a tough course, and we're playing against other schools from various divisions that have very talented players. This is the type of tournament we can learn from and hopefully prepare us to play low next week.''

Also for CSM: Victoria Farkas shot 83 and is tied for 14^th place; Ritzy Dominguez carded a 90, which is tied for 28^th; Katie Freeman shot 93 and is tied for 32^nd; and Erika Headlee shot 97, which is tied for 42^nd.

The Flames will compete in day two on Tuesday.