SMC “A” Team Sits Three Shots Back After Opening Round of Pioneer Invitational

GAFFNEY, S.C. – The Spartanburg Methodist College men's golf team placed four squads in the field at its Pioneer Invitational at Cherokee National Golf Course, competing in a 15-team field that battled chilly, windy conditions during Monday's opening round.

After 18 holes, the SMC "A" team sits three strokes off the lead after posting a 313 (+25). AAC rival Pikeville leads the tournament at 310 (+22).

The "A" team was paced by Thomas Campbell, who fired a 75 (+3) with birdies on holes No. 1 and No. 3. Evan Cheek added a 77 (+5) with birdies on No. 1 and No. 9, while Tucker Simon carded a 79 (+7) highlighted by an eagle on No. 1. Kendall Howle rounded out the team scoring with an 82 (+10). AJ Bolin, competing as the fifth member of the lineup, shot an 87 (+15) and was the fourth Pioneer to birdie No. 1 on the day.

Campbell is tied for third individually and is joined in that position by fellow Pioneers Antonio Montenora (SMC "B") and Alex Dietrich (SMC "D"), each at 75 (+3).

Montenora led the "B" squad with his 75, which included three birdies. Bryson Paris posted an 84 (+12), Parker Harrigan shot an 82 (+10), Jackson Welch recorded an 88 (+16) and Conner Requidan finished with a 90 (+18). The "B" team stands seventh after the opening round.

The "C" team is 13th after posting a 344 (+56), led by Lucas Johnson's 80 (+8). Aaron Ritz carded an 87 (+15), Andrew Walker added an 88 (+16), and Tripp Darwin shot an 89 (+17). David Harrigan completed the lineup with a 96 (+24).

Dietrich led the "D" team with four birdies en route to a 75 (+3), making him one of five players in the field to record four birdies in the opening round. Jacob Hefner shot a 95 (+23), Tristen Henne posted a 97 (+25), Owen Jackson carded a 99 (+27), and Tavarez Lacey finished with a 104 (+32).

Competing as an individual, SMC's Andrew Coleman shot a 92 (+20).

Individually, Nate Caughman of CIU holds the lead after a 73 (+1), one stroke clear of the field. Caughman recorded four birdies in his opening round.

Tuesday's final round is scheduled to tee off at 11 a.m.