Senators lead after opening round of Walters State Fall Classic

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. --- Carson-Newman's  Will Collins fired an even 72 to take a one shot lead in Monday's first round of the Walters State Fall Classic at The Country Club in Morristown. 

Weather conditions were perfect for Monday's opening round and players took advantage as Collins had four birdies on the day with three of them coming on the front nine. His score of 72 puts him just ahead of Walters State's Andrew Linkous and Tusculum's Mike Bevacqua who each carded 73 in round one. 

Walters State is well represented near the top of the leader board as Elliott Smith is in fourth place with a 74, Dane Rheinecker and Alex Hodge are tied for fifth with a score of 75 and Hunter Blaken and Stephen Owen each shot 76 to tie for ninth. Playing as individuals, Christofer Schaff is tied for 19th with a score of 79 and Sam Pleasant is tied for 26th place with an 81. 

As a team, Walters State leads the event with a score of 297 which is four strokes ahead of second-place Tusculum at 301. Carson-Newman Blue is in third place with a score of 309, Belmont Abbey B-team is fourth after firing a 320 and Spartanburg Methodist is fifth at 322. Rounding out the field are Carson-Newman Orange (323), Abraham Baldwin (325), Union of Kentucky (331), Roane State (358) and Bluefield State (375).

The final round will see a change in weather conditions as a cold front is expected to roll through the Lakeway area which will bring a chance of rain and much cooler temperatures. The teams will begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. at The Country Club Tuesday morning.