GOODYEAR, ARIZ. -- Cal State LA's women's golf team had a tough opening round of the RJGA Shootout at Estrella, but have one round remaining to make a big move up a crowded leaderboard.

The Golden Eagles, who were third in this event a year ago, find themselves in 12th place after shooting an opening round of 319 at the Golf Club of Estrella on Monday. Cal State LA is just nine shots out of the lead and within striking distance of the teams ahead of them.

Cal State LA shared the team high with 10 birdies in the opening round, but was 12th in pars.

Morgan Sjoerdsma, who was third in her opening event last week, had the low round of the day for the Golden Eagles and is tied for 16th at 4-over-par 76. She is just three shots out of second place and five behind leader Kiara Hernandez of Point Loma. Sjoerdsma had three birdies, including back-to-back birdies on the par-4 12th hole and the par-5 13th hole. That helped her to an even-par 36 on the back nine.

Defending champion Daniela Andrade, who won this event last year in her collegiate debut, birdied her opening hole on her way to a 5-over-par 77 that finds her in a tie for 23rd place. She had three birdies during her round.

Joshlyn Ayala was next for the Golden Eagles and is in a tie for 47th after a 9-over-par 79. She birdied two of her last three holes on the day.

Harley Richardson shot an 11-over-par 83 to complete the scoring for the Golden Eagles, while newcomer Lehapi Veikune had two birdies late in her round of 12-over-par 84.

Cal State LA also had two players competing as individuals this week and newcomer Brenna Ozel shot a 5-over-par 77 and is in a tie for 23rd and Sarah Amaya had two birdies in her first three holes  while shooting a 12-over-par 84.

Colorado State Pueblo, which won the Swan Memorial Tournament last week with Cal State LA placing second, shares the first-round lead with Academy of Art, MSU Denver and Lubbock Christian with scores of 20-over-par 308. Cal State East Bay of the California Collegiate Athletic Association is sixth at 310, while Chico State is 15th at 326.