MESA, AZ (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV women's golf team couldn't have asked for a better start at ASU's Clover Cup tournament Friday at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, shooting a season-best 5-under 283 as a team to sit in second. Sophomore Elina Saksa, just a couple weeks removed from shooting her career best single-round score of 67, topped that with a 6-under 66 to lead Friday to lead the field. 

The 5-under 283 for the Rebels was their first team round under par of the season and seven shots better than their previous low of 2-over 290. UNLV is just two shots behind Arizona, who shot a 7-under 281 in round one, and three shots ahead of third-place Houston (2-under 286). Host Arizona State shot even on the day to sit in fourth followed by Grand Canyon at 7-over 295.

Three Rebels sit in the top-15, with Saksa holding a two-stroke lead over Arizona's YuSang Hou at 4-under 68. Four players - Clemson's Ivy Shepherd, Arizona State's Alessandra Fanali and Linn Grant and Houston's Karen Fredgaard - are tied for third at 3-under. UNLV senior Samantha Fuller continued a hot week in Arizona with a 2-under 70 to sit tied for seventh, while junior Veronica Joels carded an even opening round to sit tied for 15. 

Freshmen Gracie Olkowski and Madeleine Laux are tied for 33rd and 51st after rounds of 3-over 75 and 5-over 77, respectively. 

NEXT FOR THE REBELS: The Rebels will tee off for the second round beginning at 9 a.m. MT. Madeleine Laux - 9:03 a.m.; Gracie Olkowski - 9:12 a.m.; Veronica Joels - 9:21 a.m.; Samantha Fuller - 9:30 a.m.; Elina Saksa 9:39 a.m.

NOTES:
• This is the first time the Rebels have competed in Arizona State's Clover Cup tournament
• UNLV has five returners from last year along with two freshmen newcomers - Madeleine Laux and Gracie Olkowski
• Head coach Amy Bush-Herzer is in her 10th year at the helm of the program. She has led her team to a conference championship four times.