Commerce, Texas

The Texas A&M-Commerce men's golf team is in eighth place after the first day of the UCO/Kickingbird Classic on Monday in Edmond, Oklahoma.

The Lions shot a 36-hole total of 587 (301-286) and are 27 strokes behind first place Abilene Christian (285-275). 14 of the 15 teams including Texas A&M-Commerce made improvements after the first 18 holes; however, the 15-shot improvement for the Lions was the third largest of the afternoon.

Freshman Brian Pearce is tied for 23rd with a 144 (76-68). The career-best 68 by Pearce was the eighth lowest round of the second 18 of the 84-person field. Brady Jones of Midwestern State and Blake Slaughter of St. Edward's are in the lead by nine strokes over Worden with a 135.

Sophomore Blake Worden is two strokes behind Pearce and is tied for 31st with a 146 (75-71). Sophomore Pinkey Hartline is tied for 39th and a stroke behind Worden with a 147 (75-72). Senior Ryan Jaco is tied for 67th with a 153 (75-78) and freshman Chase Johnson is tied for 81st with a 159 (84-75).

The final round will begin Tuesday at 8:15 a.m.