Middle Tennesse in second after day one in Arizona

Sunday, February 16

Goodyear, Ariz.

Middle Tennessee

Loyola Intercollegiate

2/16/2025 4:35:00 PM | Men's Golf

A pair of Blue Raiders are in the top 10 after 18 holes

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The Blue Raiders fired a 4-under-par 280 on Sunday to sit in second place after the opening day of the Loyola Intercollegiate at Palm Valley Golf Club. Redshirt junior Markus Varjun paced MTSU with a 4-under 68 and is tied for third in the individual standings.

Richmond is atop the leaderboard after posting a round of 11-under-par 277 on Sunday. The Blue Raiders are second at 4-under-par 280 and UT Martin is third at 6-under-par 282, while Marshall is fourth at 5-par 283. Boise State and host institution Loyola (Md.) round out the top five of the team standings at 2-over-par 286.

Marshall's Ryan Bilby leads the individual standings after firing an opening-round 9-under-par 63. He was followed by Grand Canyon's Joshua McCabe at 5-under-par 67, and a sextet of players at 4-under-par 68.

The Loyola Intercollegiate continues with 18 holes on Monday, Feb. 17, and concludes with a final round on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Monday's second round will begin at 8:45 a.m. CT via shotgun format.

The Lineup
• Redshirt junior Markus Varjun paced the Blue Raiders with an opening round of 4-under par 68. Varjun carded six birdies on the day, including his final two holes.

• Redshirt junior Carter Maneth carded a 3-under par 69 – a season-low – that included four birdies and an eagle.

• Freshman Thad Whitfield posted a 1-under par 71 after beginning his day with four quick birdies.

• Senior JJ Zimmer fired an even par 72, and junior Luke Perkins rounded out the Blue Raiders' lineup at 1-over par 73.

• Competing as an individual, freshman Charlie Bell posted an opening round of 2-over par 74.

Coach's Comments: Mark McEntire
"We had a solid start for the team today," said Head Coach Mark McEntire. "Markus and Carter gave us some great rounds. It was good to knock some rust off, and our mistakes just came from not playing tournament golf for a while. We are excited to make a move tomorrow and keep improving."

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