PALM DESERT, Calif. – Trinity University senior women's golfer Jessica Mason (Westminster, Colo. / Holy Family) is tied for second after the opening round of play at the 2026 NCAA Division III Championships on Monday, hosted at the Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Mason shot a two-under 70 to begin play at this year's nationals, which puts her just one shot off the lead heading into Tuesday's second round. She carded seven total birdies in the opening round, six of which came during a stretch of seven holes on the back nine. Beginning on hole seven, Mason had a rough start to her day as she was three-over after four holes. She opened a streak of four straight birdies with a two on hole 11, then came back with two more birdies after a bogey on #15 and played the back nine at five-under 31. Mason bogeyed #1 but snagged another birdie at #3 to keep her at minus-two for the day and tied for second with two other players.

Today's round for Mason was played at the Mountain View course, though tomorrow she is scheduled to tee off on hole one at 9:00 a.m. (PT) on the Firecliff course. Mason is aiming to qualify for round three and four, needing to finish among the top individuals not playing for a team qualifier.