GULF SHORES, Ala. – Central Arkansas women's golf opened the Bama Beach Bash on Sunday, finishing round one in fifth place. Freshman Valeria Ramirez capped her first day in third place, the highest-placed Bear after 18 holes.
 
Ramirez shot a 1-over 73 in round one, recovering from a tough first five to finish the last 13 holes with three birdies. She sits three strokes out of first place heading into tomorrow's round two. Pear Rittawee sits two strokes behind Ramirez in 11^th place after a 3-over 75.
 
Madison Holmes finished her first round with a 6-over 78, ending with positive momentum by finding a birdie on 17. Tania Nunez, playing as an individual, scored a 79 through 18 holes, hitting birdie on the seventh hole.
 
Elin Kumlin had two birdies, one on seven and one on 18, but capped day one at an 8-over 80. The senior has been one of the most consistent golfers on the roster, and is just three strokes from breaking back into the top-25. Pim-orn Thitisup finds herself in the same spot as Kumlin, and also birdied two holes, including the three-par sixth.
 
Louisiana-Monroe sits atop the board after day one with a team score of 12-over 300. Little Rock and Oral Roberts are tied at second, three strokes back of the leader. ULM's Chantal Dueringer was the lone golfer to stay under par, leading the pack at 2-under. ORU's Kate Strickland is in second, and Ramirez sits tied for third with four other golfers.
 
Round two takes place tomorrow, and the teams will wrap up the Bama Beach Bash on Tuesday, playing a third and final round.
 
1. ULM – 300 (+12)
T2. Little Rock – 303 (+15)
T2. Oral Roberts – 303 (+15)
4. South Alabama – 304 (+16)
5. Central Arkansas – 306 (+18)
6. Southern Illinois – 308 (+20)
7. North Alabama – 309 (+21)
T8. Memphis – 312 (+24)
T8. Colorado State – 312 (+24)
10. Murray State – 313 (+25)
11. Georgia State – 314 (+26)
12. UT Arlington – 317 (+29)
13. UAB – 319 (+31)
14. Troy – 320 (+32)
15. Lindenwood – 342 (+54)