Byrd, Owens both shoot 66 to lead Raiders on day one

Monday, April 15

West Point, MS

All Day

Middle Tennessee

Old Waverly Collegiate Championship

4/15/2019 7:53:00 PM | Men's Golf

By: @MTAthletics

WEST POINT, MS – Middle Tennessee opened play today at the Old Waverly Collegiate Championship where they went through 36 holes in a long day of golf. The Blue Raiders shined with identical 5-under par rounds of 283 to stand in fifth place in the 15-team field. The final round is set for tomorrow morning beginning at 8 AM.

The Blue Raiders are behind leader Louisiana-Monroe (22-under), No. 4 Vanderbilt (15-under), Ole Miss (14-under), and Little Rock (13-under).

Senior Marcus Byrd enjoyed two stellar rounds with a 2-under par 70 in round one followed by a career-best 66 in round two to grab the overall tournament lead entering the final round. Byrd had 10 birdies and an eagle on the day and took advantage of the par 5s where he was a tournament leading 8-under par.

Not far behind is junior Tanner Owens who also had an impressive day one with a career-best 66 in round one and an even par 72 in round two. Owens turned in six birdies and played bogey free in the first round and is currently tied for fourth overall while leading the tournament in par 4 scoring at 5-under.

The two rounds of 66 by Byrd and Owens today go down as the best rounds of the year for Middle Tennessee and equals the eighth best rounds in school history.

"We are close," said Head Coach Mark McEntire. "Great rounds today from Marcus and Tanner. Both have a chance to win tomorrow and that would be great for the program. Also proud of Palmer today. He has really done a nice job this semester and continues to improve each week.

"Hopefully we can get five scores in play tomorrow and see if we can move up the leaderboard and get in contention."

Freshman Palmer Sadlowski also enjoyed a solid day with two even par rounds of 72. Sadlowski is tied for 30^th after posting four birdies and 28 pars over his 36 holes.

Sophomore Cooper Sears is tied for 49^th at four over par. Sears had rounds of 75 and 73 and added five birdies on the day.

Senior James Beckner is tied for 71^st after posting rounds of 79-74.