GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Against a field of 28, Northeastern State is the first non-Californian team to place tied for fourth at the Palm Valley Classic, scoring a 298. 

The RiverHawks are just one shot back of second place overall and tied with Colorado Christian. 

"We got better today and eliminated the course management issues we have had recently," said head coach Scott Varner.  "We played with a confidence we hadn't shown this spring. I'm proud of them; confidence breeds confidence, winning breeds winning."

Northeastern State landed 59 pars, third-most in the field, and nine birdies overall. The RiverHawks were masters of the par-3s, averaging a field best one-under. 

Kaylee Petersen led NSU with an even 72, tied for her second-lowest round score of the season. The fifth-year senior had four birdies and is tied for seven overall. 

Aitana Hernandez was two back of Petersen, tied for 18th place. Nina Lee, Yasmin Hang, and Marybeth Bellnap all shot a 76 and are tied for 35th. 

Cal State Monterey Bay leads the field by ten strokes with a one-under 287.

The RiverHawks return to the course on Saturday for the final round.