DICKINSON, N.D. — Three college softball players found dead after their sport utility vehicle went into a pond on a North Dakota farm during a stargazing trip likely drove straight into the water in the dark, authorities said today.

Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said the women's SUV was found on its wheels Tuesday in about 10 feet of water hidden by tall grass, with its doors and windows closed.

"When you're not familiar with an area like that, it would have been very easy to drive into," Tuhy said.

The sheriff said the Dickinson State University students were on private property.

No foul play is suspected in the deaths of Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of San Diego; Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba.

The bodies of the women and Neufeld's dog were found inside the SUV after signals from their last desperate phone calls late Sunday helped lead authorities to the farm.