GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The 2025-26 season teed off Monday for the Cal State East Bay women's golf team, who over the course of two days, finished in third place among 14 teams in the RJGA Sootout at Estrella. On the par 72, 5,901-yard course at Golf Club of Estrella, Denise Paulsson was the lowest scoring member of the Pioneers, finishing fifth on the leaderboard. 

• Paulsson's two round score of 1-over-par 145 was highlighted by an even par 72 in Tuesday's second round and among the 36 holes played, had five birdies. 
• Three birdies in the second round helped Carlota Eroles to a 13th place tie on the leaderboard. 
• With five birdies overall among the Pioneer golfers wer Paulsson, Eroles, Torrie Bowman and Kathy Leeper. 

Cal State East Bay head golf coach Alan Sue following the season opening tournament:
"The ladies had a solid start to their season with a third place finish at Estrella. Our returning starters were consistent and dependable, led by Denise Paulsson's fifth place individual finish. Kathy Leeper, in third year as a Pioneer, got her first away start and made amazing contributions shooting her ow collegiate scores. We leave this touenament being proud of our effort and results, and also areas to improve. We will now prepare fot the National [Preview] in Florida in [three] weeks."

Cal State San Marcos won the team competition while Theresa Shaw of Vanguard was the medalist for the tournament at 3-under-par 141. 

On October 6-7, the Pioneers will compete in the PBA National Preview in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida at PGA National Golf Club.