Danville, Ark. - The Missouri Southern Lions are in fifth place following the first day at the David Falconer Classic hosted by Arkansas Tech University at the Chamberlyne Country Club.

Junior Taylor Lansford led the Lions into the clubhouse with a 1-under 71 for a share of eighth place. Freshman Jake Badovinac and sophomore Connor Neil share 22nd place as they finished with a 1-over 73 while junior Cameron Hamilton carded a 75 and senior Ethan Hutcheson finished with a first round of 79. As a team the Lions shot a 292 for the first round which is the second best round of the season, the Lions shot a second round total of 289 at their own tournament in the fall at Shangri-La.

"Our guys played well today with most of them finishing 33 holes before darkness suspended play," said head coach Mike Wheeler. "Morning round finished in rainy conditions and a top five finish is well within our reach."

Southern sits just seven strokes out of first place, Henderson State (285). Southeastern Oklahoma finished the day in second place with a 286 followed by the host ATU at 288, and Southern Nazarene in fourth with a 289. The Lions are in fifth with a 292 followed by Trevecca Nazarene at 293 and Washburn at 294. Southwestern Oklahoma finished the first round at 296 for eighth with Lewis and Grand Valley State tied for ninth at 297 while Harding and Northeastern State tied for 11th at 299. Southern Arkansas finished in 13th with a team total of 303 followed by Arkansas-Monticello at 304, Missouri Western with a 305, and South Dakota School of the Mines at 307. Rockhurst and McKendree tied for 17th with a first round of 308, then Oklahoma Baptist at 314, Northwestern Oklahoma State at 322, and St. Joseph's (Ind.) rounds out the 21 team field with a 333.

Drew Greenwood of Henderson State leads the individual medalist race with a first round 6-under 66. Bryce Burke of Arkansas Tech, Ryan Roberts of Southern Nazarene, and Payton Williams of Trevecca Nazarene are tied for second with a first round total of 3-under 69. Zach James of Southeastern Oklahoma State, Spencer Scarbrough of Trevecca Nazarene, and George Adams of Southern Arkansas all share a place of fifth place with a opening round of 70 (2-under). Lansford, Mason Horner of Southeastern Oklahoma State, Austin Smith of Arkansas Tech, and Robert Dofflemeyer all share eighth with a 1-under 71.

Originally slated for 18 holes on Monday and 18 holes on Tuesday, the David Falconer Classic was rearranged due to forecasted weather with all 36 holes scheduled to be played Monday. Most of the 120 individuals finished 33 holes before darkness suspended play.