CASPER, Wyo. - University of Wyoming cowgirl Nikki Steffes, who is from Vale, won the first round of the goat tying Monday at the College National Finals Rodeo.

Steffes posted a time of 5.9 seconds to win by nearly a half-second.

Agar's Joe Gunderson, competing for South Dakota State, was the first-round winner in bareback with an 85. He is currently in second in the second round after a ride of 78.

Wyoming's Jordan Hodges and Southeastern Oklahoma State's Robin Webb tied for first in the opening round in barrel racing with a time of :14.15. National American University's Krist Minow (:14.33) took fourth and Steffes (:14.64) was 12th.

University of Montana cowboy Jesse Kruse had a good day in the saddle bronc. He tied for first with Taylor White of Utah Valley State after a score of 82 in the first round. Kruse currently leads the second round with an 81.

Other first-round winners include University of Tennessee-Martin's Boyd Quinely (tie-down roping), West Hills College's Roger Nonella (steer wrestling), and the Ranger College duo of Dakota Shipp and Kory Bramwell (team roping).

There were only two qualified rides in the second round of bull riding Monday, with McNeese State's Beau Schroeder leading the way with a 78.

For more coverage from the College National Finals Rodeo, click here.