WATERLOO — Battling the competitors and the weather conditions, Allie Pfantz (junior, State Center, West Marshall HS) of the Central College women's golf team is in first place after the first 18 holes of the American Rivers Conference Championships Sunday.
           
In the team standings, Central is fifth at 60 over par (348).  The University of Dubuque paces the field at 39 over par (327).
           
Pfantz birdied the third hole before making six bogeys and finishing the round five over par with a 77 on her score card.
           
"The wind was a huge factor today," coach Mackenzie Biggs said. "It picked up more than we thought it would. I think she would tell she didn't play her best but her being at the top right now is a testament to how hard she has worked to get to where she's at."
           
The only other Duch player with prior experience at the A-R-C Championships, Mickey Martens (senior, Villa Park, Ill., Willowbrook HS) carded an 88 is in 21 st place.
           
A trio of freshmen got their first taste of championship action. Jessie Lohman (freshman, Ames) is tied for 24th (91), Mady Hamilton (freshman, Arvada, Colo., Forge Christian HS) is tied for 28th (92) and Autumn Hoftender (freshman, Orion, Ill.) is 36th.(96).
           
"We started out really strong, but when that wind picked up it got difficult for us towards the end," Biggs said. "I think we have a good chance to move up one spot or so as a team. It's a three-day tournament so we have time to improve."
           
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