Just two strokes separate the top three teams after the first of three rounds of the MIAA NCAA automatic qualifier tournament April 22 at Knollwood Country Club in Granger, Ind., hosted by Saint Mary's.

Saint Mary's owns the early lead, but by slim margins in the four-team tournament. The Belles combined to shoot +46 at their home venue, edging second-place Hope (+47) and third-place Olivet (+48).

Olivet's Nicole Deweyert shot a five-over 77 to stand alone in first place, while Saint Mary's Ali Mahoney is in second place with an eight-over 80. 

Hope, who won the regular season title for women's golf, will host the final two rounds of the NCAA automatic qualifier tournament April 28 and 29 at Saugatuck, Mich.