DENVER (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV women's golf shot a 5-under to grab sole possession of fifth place in the first round of Denver's Ron Moore Intercollegiate Friday at Highlands Ranch Golf Club (Par 72 - 6,648 yards).

Graduate student Maria Jose Fernandez and senior McKenzi Hall paced the Rebels with 2-under on their scorecards to sit tied for 11th through the first 18 holes. Also representing the Scarlet & Gray, graduate student Maria Fernanda finished the round in a tie for 24th at 1-under, sophomore Thienna Huynh's even-par 72 has her tied for 32nd and junior Mayumi Umezu (+1) isn't far behind them in a tie for 39th.

The host Pioneers jumped to a comfortable first day lead at 16-under, with Cal (-7), Kansas (-6), New Mexico (-6) and UNLV within at least two shots of each other in second-fifth, respectively. Taking the early individual lead are Denver's Anna Zanusso and Emma Bryant in a first-place tie at 6-under.

UP NEXT: Competition continues with Saturday's scheduled 18 holes to be played in the second round.