BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. -- Kaylee Petersen is tied for fourth place overall, with the RiverHawks in fifth in their season-opening round at the Central Region Fall Preview Tuesday. 

Petersen landed four birdies tied for most in the 19 team field and shot a two-over, 74 on the par-72 course. 

Northeastern State was among the top five for most of the day but couldn't inch further into the lead group scoring a 310 and is ten strokes back of the lead held by Henderson State. 

"It was a disappointing first round of the season," said head coach Scott Varner. "Spotted the leaders a ton of shots, but it's going to be hard to catch them.  If we truly play solid collectively tomorrow, it can happen; we certainly have the firepower."

Nina Lee and Yasmin Hang both had the RiverHawks' second-best score at 78, good for a tie for 30th overall.  Aitana Hernandez shot an 80 (T-44), and Macy Rutland matched that score with a strong finish going 1-under on the final five pins in her debut. 

The RiverHawks were second-best among MIAA schools in the field; Henderson State's Gracen Blount shot the day's low round with a 71. 

Northeastern State will be part of the second wave of players on the front pin Wednesday, teeing off starting at 8:45 a.m.

Team Score
5. Northeastern State 310=310 +22

Individual Scores
T4. Kaylee Petersen 74=74 +6
T30. Yasmin Hang 78=78 +6
T30. Nina Lee 78=78 +6
T44. Aitana Hernandez 80=80 +8
T44. Macy Rutland 80=80 +8