ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Paced by junior Keira Howard sitting atop the individual leaderboard, the Navy women's golf team found itself tied for first place at the conclusion of the opening round of the 2026 Patriot League Championship, held Friday at the U.S. Naval Academy Golf Club.
 
Playing on their par-72, 6,084-yard home course, the Midshipmen posted a first-round score of 10-over par 298 to kick off the league tournament, tying Bucknell for the team lead and 13 strokes ahead of the third-place tie between Boston University and Lehigh. The 298 tally marks the Mids' fifth-best round of the season.
 
Sitting atop the leaderboard after the opening day of play, Howard shot a 1-over par 73 to hold a one-stroke lead after the first 18 holes, including posting a 35 over the first nine holes.
 
Sitting in a three-way tie for second place with a pair of Bucknell golfers, sophomore Vivian Cressman posted a 2-over par 74 thanks in part to finishing the back nine holes one stroke under at 35.
 
Also finishing the first day in the top-5, reigning Patriot League individual champion Emma Tang carded a 3-over par 75 to put the junior in a three-way tie for fifth place.
 
Tied for eighth with three others, sophomore Megan Kirkpatrick registered an opening round of 4-over par 76.
 
Senior captain Hallie Brisco improved as the day wore on to close in a tie for 12th at 5-over par 77, while fellow senior Sue Lee rounded out the Navy lineup tied for 20th at 9-over par 81 despite a strong start before the turn.
 
The Patriot League Championship continues Saturday, with the second round set to begin at 8:30 a.m.