Northeastern State shot a par score on the back nine to carry them to the top of the leaderboard Monday at their 23rd Women's Golf Classic.
The RiverHawks hold a two-stroke lead over Arkansas-Fort Smith with a 297 behind a 71 from true freshman Hanna Lignell who is tied for the medalist lead.
"Hanna is rapidly becoming our next stud, a great talent, toughness, and grit, said head coach Scott Varner. She showed it today on a very tough track, was +3, and became even more determined on the back nine instead of being frustrated. The great ones have that mindset and grit."
Aitana Hernandez hit one of the two eagles on the Cherokee Hills Golf Club on the 17th pin, connecting on a green shot from eight feet out. The senior is one stroke back of Lignell and tied for third place.
Nina Lee carded a 76 and is tied for 17th. Yasmin Hang turned in a 78 putting her tied for 29th overall.
Sam Maceli shot an 87 in her NSU debut and is tied for 64th place.
"I love this team's grit, and we started strong," added Varner. We hit the gauntlet holes out here and struggled. Collectively, they became focused, determined and showed some serious toughness. They really care about each other and did not want to let their teammates down.
Now we are in a great position to get a win tomorrow. That is all we ever want, is a chance to win on the back nine of the final round. Now we have to keep on keeping on and go get it."
Kelly Swanson, playing as an individual, is in the medalist hunt shooting a 73 tied for fifth place. She was tied for the lead with two pins remaining but hit a bogey on both to close out her round.
Nicole Anderson made her NSU debut Monday, playing individually, and is tied for 24th, carding a 77.
The RiverHawks will tee off Tuesday for the final round starting at 11:27 a.m. with Arkansas-Fort Smith and Harding.
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