MORRO BAY, CA  -  Although College of the Canyons posted a team score of 309 to lead the field in the race for the 2018 California Community College Athletic Association women's golf state championship after Sunday's opening round of the two-day, 36-hole event, Saddleback College is still in contention.  

It was little surprise that Canyons would be in position to vie for their third state title after winning previous titles in 2001 and 2007.  The Cougars easily claimed the Western State Conference title and last week's CCCAA South Regional championship.    

Six of the eight teams competing in this year's state championship have previous state titles to their credit.  Only Reedley and Fresno City colleges have not earned a women's golf title.  Saddleback earned a state title in 2003.

The battle continues on Monday for the state title, along with runner-up and third place trophies.  And there are seven teams trying to get a piece of hardward before heading home.  College of the Desert (325), Saddleback (331), Modesto (332), Reedley (333), Sierra (334) and Santa Barbara (339) are still within range of making it to the awards podium.

The top individual returning from last year's state championship is Saddleback sophomore Brittney Do who carded a 79 on the first day, helping the Gauchos to a narrow third-place advantage.  

The individual competition saw a couple of red scores posted on Sunday.  The Orange Empire Conference Player of the Year, Eunsoo Jeon of Fullerton College, posted a three-under-par 69 to lead the field.  She had three birdies during her bogey-free round.  Arianna Custodio of Sacramento City College came in with a one-under-par 71 as she accounted for six birdies but five bogies.  Irvine Valley College freshman Katie Stribling sits alone in fourth place at two-over-par 74.

The final round of play begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday with both a team champion and an individual champion being crowned at the awards ceremony at 1:30 p.m.