Blue Raiders in top five, Perkins in top 10 through one round in Las Vegas

Monday, February 26

Henderson, Nev.

Middle Tennessee

Lake Las Vegas Intercollegiate

2/26/2024 5:30:00 PM | Men's Golf

By: Thomas Donley, MT Athletics

HENDERSON, Nev. — Middle Tennessee men's golf was three-under Monday in the first round of the Lake Las Vegas Intercollegiate, ending the day in a tie for fifth place. On a mostly sunny day, five Blue Raiders finished par or better, led by Luke Perkins' 69 (-3).

Perkins, playing as an individual, set a new career low, carding four birdies and an eagle in the round. He is tied for eighth individually.

Michael Barnard carded a 70 (-2) in the first round, ending the day in a tie for 18th. He picked up three birdies and bogeyed only one hole all day.

Owen Stamper matched Barnard's 70 (-2) but took a much different route to get there. His seven birdies are tied for the most in the field, but a pair of double bogeys on the back nine prevented him from having an even better round.

Kevin Jegers carded a 72 (E), tying for 37th. He eagled the sixth hole and picked up a birdie on the ninth.

Also playing as an individual, Sheldon McKnight carded a 72 (E) of his own. He made four birdies while tying the lowest round of his collegiate career.

Markus Varjun is tied for 52nd at 73 (+1). Gavin Clements rounds out the lineup in a tie for 123rd at 84 (+12).

By the Numbers
11 – Stamper has been at par or better in 11 of his 13 rounds this season.
2 – The Blue Raiders' two eagles matched their most in a round this season.
1 – Perkins picked up the first eagle of his collegiate career.

Coach's Comments: Mark McEntire
"Proud of Luke Perkins today. I hope that will continue the rest of the tournament for him. On the team front, I thought Michael played exceptionally well today. We're close to playing really well as a team. The other guys just need to continue playing, and I expect them to get better each and every day."

Tournament Notes

Little Rock leads the field at 277 (-11).
Long Beach State's Steen Zeman and Little Rock's Archie Smith are the individual leaders at 66 (-6).
Second-round tee times begin at 10 a.m. CT Tuesday.

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