HELENA, Mont.- Freshman Natasza Klimko tied the 18-hole program record to lead the field for Rocky Golf on day one of the Carroll College Classic in Helena. 

No. 25 Women's Golf Tied For Lead Behind Klimko's Dominance

---

Freshman Natasza Klimko tied the program record with an outstanding first round, firing a 6-under-par 66 to carry a commanding seven-stroke lead into Tuesday's final round. Klimko anchored her opening round with 10 pars and seven birdies, three more birdies than any other player in the field.

Carlee Verdugo also cracked the top 10, tying for sixth overall with a 4-over 76. Kirsten Smith finished tied for 14th with a 7-over 79, while Alivia Webinger sat just one stroke back in a tie for 16th with an 8-over 80. Anna Lende rounded out Rocky's squad, tying for 23rd with an 11-over 83. Lende highlighted her round on the 13th hole, recording one of only two eagles in the women's field.

The Battlin' Bears were the only team in the field to play the par 5s under par, combining for a composite score of 2-under par. Rocky Women's Golf enters Tuesday's final round tied with Bellevue University for first place with a team score of 13-over-par 301.

No. 18 Rocky Men End Day One in Third Place

---

Braxton McDonald leads the Battlin' Bears men, sitting just three strokes off the individual lead after shooting a 6-under-par 138 (68-70). McDonald played remarkably clean golf, carding two eagles with only one hole above bogey. Sam Norman followed just one stroke behind, tied for fourth overall at 5-under-par 139 (69-70). Kristjan Burkelca tied for 11th with a 2-under 142 (72-70), while Adam Hyde-Lay rounded out Rocky's scoring four in 17th at even-par 144 (73-71). Nathan Piers finished tied for 23rd with a 4-over 148 (69-79). Burkelca and McDonald set the standard on the long holes, tying for the field's best par-5 scoring at 7-under par each.

The Rocky men will have work to do against their conference foes in Tuesday's third and final round after posting a team score of 17-under-par 559 (278-281). The Battlin' Bears trail Bellevue University by two strokes and leader Montana Tech by four, setting up a thrilling final day in Helena.

Up Next

---

The Battlin' Bears close out the Carroll College Classic on Tuesday with the final round at Bill Roberts Golf Course.