BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. - The Carleton College men's golf team is tied for fourth place after day one of the MIAC Championships held at Edinburgh Golf Course. Junior Justin Rodriguez and sophomore Dillon Croco paced the Knights on Saturday with opening-round scores of 74.

Only three strokes separate the top four teams in the team standings. Concordia College is currently in first place after scoring 300 (+12), and in a tie for second place are Bethel University and Gustavus Adolphus College at 301 (+13). Carleton posted a team score of 303 (+15) and is in a tie for fourth place with St. Olaf College. The Knights are one of four MIAC teams that are receiving votes in the most recent Bushnell/Golfweek DIII Coaches Poll. The other teams are Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint John's University, and Bethel University.
"The course played very tough today as it was firm and fast. The guy did a great job of staying focused, said Carleton head coach Sloan Wallgren. "We left some shots out there today, and the putting was tough. We are looking to regroup as the next two days will be a great battle with the other teams in the MIAC."
 
Rodriguez played the par 3's at even par on his way to a round of two-over-par (74) and a tie for fourth place on the leaderboard. Croco kept pace with his teammate and finished his opening round with two birdies and is among the group tied for fourth place.
Junior Sam Higaki had two birdies on the front nine and carded a 77 (+5) on the day. Higaki is in a tie for 20th place among the field of 45 golfers.
 
Senior Gordon Walker rounded out the scoring for the Knights at 78 (+6). Walker is tied for 24th place and had five birdies in his round to keep pace with the pack.
First-year Austin Mak shot a 79 (+7) in the opening round of his first MIAC championships.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will play alongside Saint John's and St. Olaf during Sunday's second round, with tee times beginning at 11:12 a.m.