EL DORADO, Ark. – The Harding women's golf team sits in third place and well within reach of the lead following Monday's opening round of the 2026 Arkansas Collegiate at Mystic Creek Golf Club.
Facing a challenging par-72, 5,679-yard layout where the field averaged a scoring mark of 83.8, the Lady Bisons carded a team total of 21-over 309. Harding enters Tuesday's final round just four strokes behind leader Union (Tenn.) and only two shots back of second-place Henderson State in the 12-team field.
Martinez Leads the Charge
Senior Pilar Martinez paced the Lady Bisons with a disciplined 3-over 75. Martinez, who is currently tied for fourth individually, relied on a steady performance to avoid the major trouble that plagued much of the 63-player field.
She is followed closely by fellow senior Madeleine Wilson, who overcame a rocky start to finish the day tied for ninth at 5-over 77. Wilson was remarkable over the stretch, playing her final 16 holes at even par—highlighted by a 2-under finish over her last three holes—while hitting 13 of 18 greens in regulation.
Team Depth and Momentum
The Lady Bisons showed significant late-round momentum that could prove crucial for Tuesday's comeback attempt:
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Sydney Kincade (Jr.): Tied for 13th after carding a 6-over 78.
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Cooper Meyer (Jr.): Tied for 18th at 7-over 79. Meyer surged late, playing her final seven holes bogey-free and at 2-under par.
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Vivian Volion (Fr.): Tied for 31st with an 11-over 83.
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Alyson Thomas (Fr.): Competing as an individual, Thomas is tied for 39th after an 85.
Union's Brooklyn Verdugo holds the individual lead after the first round at even-par 72.
Final Round
The Lady Bisons will look to erase the four-stroke deficit Tuesday morning. The final round is scheduled for an 8 a.m. tee time.
