Mel Owens‘ journey on The Golden Bachelor began with 23 women who were hoping to fall in love with the former football player. The first two episodes aired on Wednesday, September 24, which meant that there were two rose ceremonies with several women eliminated right off the bat.

During the initial rose ceremony, Mel sent six women home, leaving 17 for the first week of dates. After one group date and a one-on-one date with Cheryl Steele, Mel held a pool party and another rose ceremony, where four more ladies were sent packing.