The Missouri State men's golf team began play at The Jackrabbit, hosted by South Dakota State in Valentine, Neb. today with round one of the three day competition. The Bears currently sit in fourth place in the 13-team field with three golfers in the top 20.

Leading the way for Missouri State, Brad Carpenter fired off 71 and is tied for sixth place, just four strokes behind the leaders. Carpenter shot two birdies to stay one under par through round one at The Prairie Club-Dunes. Senior Adam Fisher is close behind with 72 and is tied for 13th while Jack Knoesel sits one stroke back at 73, also breaking the top 20 in 17th. Knoesel highlighted the day with an eagle on hole 15 bringing him down to one-over par.

'Freshman Carter Lee made his debut on the Bears' lineup card, shooting 77 and is currently tied for 47th. Kory Franks sits in 66th after carding 82 to complete the lineup. Chris Obert, competing as an individual, shot 83 and is tied for 67th.

In the team standings, UCF currently holds the lead with 281, while Kansas is close on their heels at 282. In-state rival Missouri is third with 288 just above the Bears who shot 293. Idaho is fifth with 294, followed by UMKC (297), host South Dakota State (300) and Indian Hills CC (300), Wichita State (301), Hutchinson CC (303), SIU Edwardsville (304), Omaha (304), and North Dakota (315).

Round two will start at 9 a.m. CT off of holes 1 and 10.