SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Ella Wiklander had the best round of the day for the Belmont Abbey women's golf team as the Crusaders opened play at the Conference Carolinas Championship Sunday at Carolina Country Club.
 
The freshman finished with a 79 and sits tied for ninth with four other golfers following the first 18 holes of the tournament. Paeton Phillippi and Bridget Forgatch are just behind after opening rounds of 80 and 81, respectively.
 
As a team, the Crusaders opened with a 323 and sit just one shot behind King and Converse (322), who are tied for second. North Greenville leads the tournament after opening with a 302.
 
Emmanuel's Mara Martinez leads the medalist field with an opening round with an even par 72.
 
Full results can be found here.
 
RESULTS
4. Belmont Abbey, 323 (+35)
T-9. Ella Wiklander, 79 (+7)
T-14. Paeton Phillippi, 80 (+8)
T-17. Bridget Forgatch, 81 (+9)
T-25. Ashlan Tresca, 83 (+11)
T-38. Lilianna Carcel, 87 (+15)
 
UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey will continue play with the second round Monday.
• The Crusaders will begin their round starting at 8:30 a.m. off the first tee.