LONGVIEW, Texas — The Blinn College women's golf team opened the season with a third-place finish at the Pinecrest Invitational at the Pinecrest Country Club Tuesday after two Buccaneers placed in the top-10 individually.

"I was proud of our freshman girls for improving on their score today and the team finishing in third place was great," head coach David Johnson said. "I believe it is the best-ever finish for the women's team. Cheyenne Sowda led the way today with another round of 88."

The Buccaneers posted a team score of 375 the first day, and concluded the tournament with a team score of 370 for a two-round total of 745. East Texas Baptist University won the tournament with a two-round score of 664.

Madilynn Goad and Sowda each had top-10 individual finishes to lead the Buccaneers. Goad led Blinn with a sixth-place finish after shooting rounds of 81 and 90, while Sowda finished ninth with two rounds of 88.

Katelyn Foster shot a 102 and 93, Leyah Wilson and Alexis Graham each shot a 104 and 99. Brill Wise participated in the tournament as an individual and shot a 108 and 101.

 "The ladies are working hard with Coach Katie Johnston and are going to get better every time out," Johnson said.

Next, the Blinn College men's and women's golf teams will compete in the Prairie View Relays Invitational on March 14-16.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.