BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – The Carleton College men's golf team is currently in third place out of nine teams after the opening round at the MIAC Championships. Three Knights are among the top-10 on the individual leaderboard, led by Sam Higaki, who is currently in second place.
 
Bethel University finished the first round at the Edinburgh Golf Course with a one-shot lead after posting a team score of 302 (+14). Concordia College is in second place at 303 (+15), followed by the Knights, who totaled 308 strokes (+20).
 
"The boys played great today," said Carleton head coach Sloan Wallgren. "We are right in the hunt, and anything can happen as we are only a third of the way through the event. The conditions were very tough out there today. Hopefully, tomorrow will be less windy, and we will come out and post a good number."
 
Sam Higaki is off to a great start to the tournament. The senior shot a two-under-par 70 and is one shot behind the leader. Higaki played the par 4s at two-under-par, the best in the field, and wrapped up the day with a total of four birdies.  
 
Dillon Croco is tied for seventh place after carding a 75 (+3). His four birdies all came on par 5s, and he was one of three golfers to play the par 5s at four-under-par.
 
Justin Rodriguez started off strong and made the turn at one-over before a back-nine 40 brought him to 77 (+5) on the day. He is currently tied for 10th place overall. 

Austin Mak concluded the scoring for the Knights, turning in an 86 (+14) and in a tie for 39th place.

Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will play alongside Bethel and Concordia during Sunday's second round at Edinburgh Golf Course, with tee times beginning at 11:57 a.m.