COLLEGE GROVE, Tenn. - A slow start hampered Middle Tennessee men's golf in its first full round of the 2018-19 season, as the Blue Raiders turned in a round of 9-over par 297 in the opening round of their home tournament, The Intercollegiate at The Grove.

MT would get stronger as the day went on, posting a score of even par on the back nine with a pair of Raiders notching a birdie on the Par 5 18th hole to carry some additional momentum into the second round.

Round 1 Results

While the Blue Raiders sit low in the field through 18 holes they are still in striking distance of a strong finish, currently just nine strokes out of fifth place with 36 holes remaining on their home course.

"I thought we were a little nervous in the beginning and that led to a few big numbers early," Head Coach Mark McEntire said. "I was really happy with the middle and end of the round and how we settled in throughout the day. Even par on the back nine was a really good score and I look forward to seeing us build on that."

Middle Tennessee junior and Murfreesboro product Tanner Owens led the way on day one, carding a 1-under par 71 to rank tied for 15th at the end of day one.

"We got a great round of golf from Tanner Owens today, 71 was a fantastic score," McEntire added. "We love seeing red numbers and we're going to need a lot of that from him and James (Beckner) moving forward."

Senior James Beckner carded a 2-over 74 while fellow senior Graham Gosselin and freshman Palmer Sadlowski turned in matching scorecards of 4-over 76.

The Blue Raiders will begin teeing off at 10:48 a.m. on day two alongside College of Charleston. Gosselin will lead things off followed by Sadlowski, Owens, Jake Marvelli and Beckner. MT individual Josh Morris starts his day at 7:52 a.m.

Live scoring of the second round can be followed at Golfstat.com.