ALLENDALE, MI – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's golf team opened its season on Saturday at the Gilda Club Laker Invitational hosted by Grand Valley State. The one-day 36-hole event featured some of the best teams in the East Region as the host Lakers escaped with a narrow win. 
 
The day started early on Saturday morning as the Panthers started on the back nine of The Meadows at Grand Valley State. Megan Bryan led Wesleyan in the opening round with an 86. Audrey Koetter navigated through a tough opening five holes and posted an 87. 
 
Avery Shacklette shot an opening round of 88 while Maddie Zimmerman rounded out the team score with a 90. Collectively, the second round was a better start for the Panthers, but late in the day as the wind continued to pick-up, mistakes were made down the stretch. Big numbers plagued the Panthers finish as they backed-up an opening round of 351 with a 365. 
 
Zimmerman improved by four shots to card a final round of 86. She finished in a tie for 47^th along with teammate Megan Bryan. Bryan closed with a final round of 90 as the duo each posted a two-round total of 176. 
 
Koetter placed 52^nd after a final round 93. Shacklette placed 55^th overall while Samantha DeSpain made three birdies on the day and shot rounds of 91-97. 
 
Davenport University had a three-shot lead after round one, but the host Lakers made a comeback to take the team title after rounds of 311 and 304. Ferris State was second, seven shots behind. 
 
The Panthers will make the quick trip North to start a 36-hole event at Ferris State on Sunday and Monday. The event will be contested at Katke Golf Course in Big Rapids, Michigan.
 
Stay up to date on all your Panther news by following @KWCpanthers on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the "Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics" Facebook page.