PHOENIX, Ariz. –  All five Battlin' Bears finished within the top six during the opening round of the Frontier Conference Championship.

Looking to defend their title, Rocky Mountain College shot 324, finishing comfortably in first, with a 17 stroke lead over Lewis-Clark State's 341. The Battlin' Bears carded 46 pars and five birdies.

Rocky's Eryn Ellis began the day shooting an even-par, but slowed down after a double bogey at the first hole. The reigning Frontier Conference Women's Golfer of the Year currently leads the pack after shooting five-over-par 77. She finished the round carding one birdie and 12 pars.

Lewis-Clark's Marissa Louder trails Ellis by a stroke in second place after shooting six-over-par 78. The next four scores belong to Battlin' Bears. 

Shooting 83, Amanda Conner carded two birdies and ten pars to sit in third.

Anna DeMars and Morgan O'Neil are tied for fourth on a score of 83. Both carded a birdie as O'Neil ended the day with eight pars and DeMars pulled in seven.

Hayden Flohr finished in sixth with a score of 84.

"It was a tough day with winds and the firmness of the golf course. Very proud of the team's mental focus," said head women's golf coach Aaron Pohle." They did a good job finishing their rounds and extended a good lead heading into tomorrow."

The Battlin' Bears will return to Papago Golf Course in Phoenix, Ariz., for the second round of the Frontier Conference Championship tomorrow. Winner of the tournament will recieve an automatic berth in the 2019 NAIA Women's Golf Championship.