RIO VERDE, Ari. -- The Western Michigan University women's golf team had a strong first day of play at the Rio Verde Collegiate on Friday.

After the first round, the Bronco golf team sits third overall with senior Megha Vallabhaneni leading the way at third individually. WMU's A team of Vallabhaneni, Jenna Hayes, Macy Beeson, Danielle Daniy, and Lauren Lupinek combined for a first round of 296 (+8) to sit just behind the two teams tied for first, Xavier and Wichita State. Along with Vallabhaneni, Hayes and Beeson sit in the Top 10 individually with Hayes in fifth after a round of 73 (+1) and Beeson in ninth carding a 74 (+2).

Daniy and Lupinek tied during round one with a 79 (+7) on the day to round out the Brown and Gold's first team. Western Michigan's second team was led by sophomore Saanvi Venkatesh, who carded a round of 81 (+9). She was closely followed by junior Bella Brooks and freshman Lea Lemieux, who both shot a first round of 82 (+10). Senior Kailey White finished the day for the Broncos carding a round of 86 (+14).

WMU returns to the course for round two on Saturday with tee off set for 12 p.m. EST.