Mountain Home, Ark. - The Missouri Southern Men's Golf team finished day one of the Southern Bancorp Invitational at Big Creek Golf Club hosted by Henderson State in second place one shot behind the host Reddies.

Junior Connor Neil finished the opening round in second place with a 1-over 145 (70-75) to lead Southern. Senior Taylor Lansford moved up 15 spots in the second round into a tie for ninth following a even par 72 for a first day total of 148 (76-72). Senior Cameron Hamilton and freshman Chase Rogers both shot an identical 149 (71-78) for a share of 12th. Senior Phillip Roller rounded out the team scoring with a two round total of 158. Freshman Caleb Fischer, participating as an individual, finished the two round opening day at 172.

"It was a crazy weather day with a couple of delays, but the guys hung tough," said head coach Mike Wheeler. "We are looking forward to competing for a team and individual [Connor Neil] championship tomorrow [Tuesday]."

Henderson State "A" team leads the Lions by one stroke, 590-591, after being tied at even par 288 following the opening round. Southern Nazarene (290-308) and Missouri Western (299-299) are tied for third place, while Arkansas-Monticello rounds out the top five teams with a 607 (302-305).

Arkansas-Ft. Smith (305-304) and Henderson State "B" team (301-308) are tied for sixth at 609 and Southern Arkansas rounds out the eight team men's field with a two round total of 614 (300-314).

Patrick McCarthy of Missouri Western is the only player under par with a 3-under 141 (71-70) to lead the 44 player field. Neil is four strokes back at 145 followed by five individuals at 146, including three from Henderson State "A" and one from Henderson State "B" teams.

The 18 hole final round will be played Tuesday morning with the pairings to be announced in the morning before tee times.