PULLMAN, Wash.- Junior Michelle Kim opened the season Monday with a 1-under 71 in the first round and followed it up with an even-par 72 in the second, to lead Idaho women's golf through two rounds at the WSU Cougar Cup played at Palouse Ridge Golf Club. Kim sits in a tie for second place, two strokes off the lead entering Tuesday's final round. The Vandals are tied for third as a team.

"It was a great first day for Michelle," said head coach Lisa Johnson. "She got up and down from some amazing places and she putted well when she hit greens. She's a very steady player and she's still fighting for that first big victory. Tomorrow she needs to be more aggressive with her ball striking to put herself in position to win the tournament."

Kim fired a bogey-free first round, carding 17 pars and one birdie. She bogeyed two of the first three holes in the second round, but rebounded to shoot two-under the rest of the way. This is Kim's third career appearance at the WSU Cougar Cup. In eight rounds, she has shot even par or better six times. The 1-under 215 she posted as a freshman in 2015 remains the lowest tournament score of her career.

The teams faced wet and windy conditions throughout the day. Overnight rain showers dampened the course and continued through the morning round. The skies cleared for the afternoon round, but soggy course conditions remained.

"We did a good job of hitting greens, but we left ourselves with a lot of long putts which led to a lot of three putting," Johnson said. "Part of that had to do with the weather conditions. We had to adjust to the rain and wind which kept the ball from rolling on the greens. Better club selections can leave us in position for more one- and two-putts."

Freshman Valeria Patino began her collegiate career with an even-par 72 in the first round and finished the day at 5-over, good for second on the team and tied for 13th overall.

"Valeria had a great day in her first outing," Johnson said. "An even-par first round followed by a 77 on the first 36-hole day of her golfing career is a great accomplishment. She showed that not only is her future very bright, but that she can make a strong impact immediately."

Fellow freshman Grace Frazier is competing as an individual this week. Frazier is tied for 30th after posting a 157 (78-79) through the first two rounds.

"Our freshmen had a great day," said Johnson. "Valeria and Grace both put together two good rounds in adverse conditions. That's encouraging for the future of our program."

Idaho's day started with a lineup change. Junior Sophie Hausmann was scratched due to injury.

Play will resume Tuesday morning with an 8:30 shotgun start. Idaho will begin on holes 4 through 7. Live scoring will be available HERE.