MSU third after opening round of South Central Regional
MSU turned in a team total of 298, just five shots off the lead after the first of three rounds of competition.
Northeastern State (Okla.) leads the South Central Region at 293, with Central Oklahoma at 296 two strokes back. Abilene Christian is two strokes behind the Mustangs at 300, with Cameron and St. Edward's tied for fifth at 301. St. Mary's is seventh at 304 and Texas A&M-Commerce eighth at 312.
The Mustangs were paced by the play of Brady Jones, who is currently tied for sixth after firing a one-over-par 73 the first time around the "Fighting Joe" course at the Shoals.
Hunter Linscombe posted a two-over 74 to sit in a tie for 11th, while Eric Thompson is tied for 15th with a three-over 75. MSU added a four-over 76 by Gordon Quebodeaux to round out the team scoring. Andrew Ludlow posted an 84 for MSU as well.
The individual lead is held by West Texas A&M's Kent Neal, playing as an individual, who fired an amazing seven-under-par 65 on the course. Central Oklahoma's Mitch Boles stands second with a four-under 68, while Northeastern State's Sam Powell carded a one-under 71.
The teams play the second round on Tuesday, with the final round on Wednesday.
In the South Region, host North Alabama tallied a 290 for the opening round, leading Florida Southern by two at 292, Barry (Fla.) by six at 296 and West Florida by seven at 297.
Individually in the South, Hernan Borja of Barry, Matthew Galloway of West Florida and Jonathan Henderson of North Alabama all posted a one-under 71 on Monday.
The top teams from each region advance to the NCAA Division II Men's Championship, as do the next four teams from the two combined regions. The top individual not playing with an advancing team also qualifies for the national event.
+++ MSU +++
NCAA Division II South Central Regional
Robert Trent Jones at the Shoals Fightin' Joe Course
par 72, 7,126 yards
Northeastern State 293
Central Oklahoma 296
Midwestern State 298
Abilene Christian 300
Cameron 301
St. Edward's 301
St. Mary's 304
Texas A&M-Commerce 312
TOP INDIVIDUALS
Kent Neal, West Texas A&M 65
Mitch Boles, Central Okla 68
Sam Powell, Northeastern St 71
Jeff Cox, Northeastern St 72
Matt Trammell, Cameron 72
Brady Jones, MSU 73
Jamie Amoretti, St. Mary's 73
Brent Cole, Central Okla 73
Joby Dutcher, Northeastern St 73
Hugues Joannes, ACU 73
OTHER MSU SCORES
Hunter Linscombe 74
Eric Thompson 75
Gordon Quebodeaux 76
Andrew Ludlow 84