Bozeman, Mont. - Freshman Abbie Mozzetti (Hugo, Minn.) opened her collegiate career by pacing her North Dakota women's golf team with a 79 (+ 8) in opening round play at the Bobcat Invitational on Sunday. Host Montana State leads the five-team field after firing a 303 (+ 19).

The round was the first for UND of the 2012-13 season and its first as a Big Sky member. And, the team is getting an early look at some of its new league competition as the host Bobcats are one of four BSC teams competiting in the five-team field.   

"We definitely found out today what the level of competition is going to be like in the Big Sky," UND head coach Natalie Martinson said. "It is a deep league and we have a lot of work to do, but I am pleased with where we are headed.

"It took us to the conference tournament last season to play at this level, so to start off the season with a round in the 320's is a step in the right direction." 

Mozzetti is in 17th place overall after bettering half of the 36-player field with her score. Sophomore Amanda Fairweather (Maple Valley, Wash.) is only two shots behind her rookie teammate after posting an 81 (+10) in the opening round. Fairweather is tied for 21st after 18 holes.

"I was impressed with Abbie and her first round as a collegian," Martinson added. "She shot a 38 on the front nine, which played a lot longer than the back."

Senior Shantel Montgomery (Minot, N.D.) shot an 83 (+12) and classmate Robin Hutchinson (Detroit Lakes, Minn.) closed the opening 18 holes with an 84 (+13) to finish out the individual scorers for UND. 

UND (327, +43) is 24 shots off the pace set by the Bobcats on their home course. Fellow Big Sky foes Montana (306, +22) and Southern Utah (307, +23) along with Utah Valley (311, +27) are all within eight strokes of Montana State.

Round two at the Par-71 course is scheduled for Monday.