LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. – Ines Diaz paced Northeastern State under the Arizona sun, carding a 79 to sit in 13th place after Monday's opening round of the SMSU Classic at Wigwam Resort.

The sophomore recorded two birdies and shot three-over-par on the back nine to lead the RiverHawks, who finished the round tied for tenth out of 13 teams with a 326.

Northeastern State struggled on the front nine, collectively posting a 28-over-par, but found steadier footing on the back. Jessica Parker turned in NSU's second-lowest score with an 81, placing her in a tie for 26th. Laia Llorens followed with an 82, Sam Maceli shot an 84, and Chloe Williamson rounded out the lineup with a 93.

As a team, NSU ranked fifth in the field with 40 pars but also recorded 17 holes where they scored double bogey or worse.

Westminster (Utah) leads the tournament after carding a 310, holding a six-stroke advantage over Minnesota State and Mesa Community College.

The SMSU Classic will conclude Tuesday with the final round.