YORKTOWN, Ind. – The Western Michigan golf team sits three strokes back of leaders Loyola Chicago after the first two rounds of the Brittany Kelly Cardinal Classic, hosted by Ball State at the Players Club.
 
The Broncos broke 300 in both rounds, finishing with a 299 in the first round and a 290 in the second round for a total of 589 (+13). The Ramblers sit ahead at 586 (+10), with Oakland trailing WMU by one stroke in third place. WMU also finished ahead of Mid-American Conference competitors Akron, the host Cardinals, Eastern Michigan and Ohio.
 
Davenport transfer Natalie Samdal was WMU's top individual finisher on the day, shooting a combined 143 (-1) and sits tied for fourth heading into Tuesday's final round. She had eight total birdies on the day, tied for fourth-most in the field, and 21 pars. Sophomore Ally Barth and freshman Megha Vallabhaneni each shot a 148 (+4) and sit tied for 16th. Haley Barclay and Kailey White rounded out WMU's top six with a 150 (+6) and a 153 (+9).
 
Freshman Jenna Hayes, competing as an individual, sits tied for seventh place after shooting a 73 in each found for a 176 (+2).
 
The final round begins on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.