ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Carleton College men's golf team sits atop the 19-team standings after the first round of play at the SJU Fall Invitational. Sam Higaki carded an opening round 65 and is currently in first place on the leaderboard.
 
The Knights posted a team score of 283, three strokes ahead of Whitworth University at 286. Bethel University and tournament host, Saint John's University, are in third place after turning in team scores of 287.

Junior Sam Higaki is the overall leader after shooting seven-under-par on the day. Higaki birdied four of the first seven holes and made the turn at four-under. He then birdied three of the four last holes and played the back nine at 3-under par. Higaki is currently three shots ahead of Jacob Ferrin (Bethel University) and Tim Fultz (Saint John's University), who are tied for second place.
 
Sophomore Dillon Croco is tied for sixth place after carding a one-under-par 71. Croco finished strong with birdies on three of the final five holes.
 
Senior Gordon Walker is in a tie for ninth place, shooting even par (72) in the opening round. Walker was consistent over the course, finishing with 14 pars.
 
First-year Austin Mak and junior Justin Rodriguez are tied for 39th place in the field of 119 golfers. They each shot three-over par (75) on the day. Rodriguez's round was highlighted by a three-shot eagle on hole No. 10.
Sophomore Gareth Birney wrapped up the first day with a score of 78 (+6), one shot in front of first-year teammate Oscar Peche. Both players competed as individual entrants.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Day two will be a 10:00am shotgun Sunday at Blackberry Ridge G.C. in Sartell, Minn.