EDINA, Minn. — The Carleton women's golf team opened play at the 2026 MIAC Championships on Friday, firing a 19-over-par round of 307 at Braemar Golf Course to sit in third place in the nine-team field after 18 holes.

St. Catherine University grabbed the early lead in the team standings after posting a six-over-par 294, holding an eight-stroke cushion over second-place Macalester College (+14, 302). Carleton holds a slim one-shot lead over fourth-place Gustavus Adolphus College (+20, 308), while cross-town rival St. Olaf College (+25, 313) and Bethel University (+27, 315) follow in fifth and sixth, respectively.

Junior Anna Lee led the charge for the Knights with a standout opening performance, carding a career-best three-under-par 69 to sit in second place on the individual leaderboard. The Vernon Hills, Ill., native posted her first career round under par on Friday, racking up five birdies on the afternoon, including four on the opening nine holes. Lee trails only St. Catherine's Caylin Cantwell (-5, 67) for the top spot.

First-year Cindy Yuan continued her strong play in her rookie campaign, giving Carleton a second red figure on the day with a one-under-par 71 to finish the round tied for third place alongside Macalester's Ava Austria. It is the second consecutive weekend where Yuan has tallied a round under par and third straight weekend with a round of even-par or better. The Danville, Calif., native was aggressive early, putting up four birdies on the front nine.

First-year Angela Yu recorded a 9-over-par 81 to end the opening day tied for 29th overall. Yu's round was highlighted by three birdies, while her classmate Sarah Han provided the final counting score for the Knights with a 14-over-par 86 to place 40th. Senior Charlotte Darras also competed in the lineup for Carleton.

Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will be back in action tomorrow afternoon in the second round of this year's MIAC Championships. The Knights are set to tee off beginning at 12:40pm as a part of the final groupings with leader St. Catherine and second-place Macalester.