Rochester, Mn--

The M-State Spartan golf team is making the most of their trip to upstate New York this week- after the first day, M-State sits tied for 3rd place and within striking distance of a national championship. 

Additionally, Hibbing Community College's Ben Abrahamson carded a 84 on the first day, putting him in a tie at 56, while Mesabi Range athlete Nick Moe is sitting an impressive 10th, with a 77 on his opening round. 

The top MCAC duffer after day one is Mason Landborg, whose 75 has him tied for 7th place in the national competition.  The Spartans are proving they are not a one-man show however, with Chris Swensen (22nd) Nick Kress and Will Tickel (both 29th) and Kyle Boe (tied at 69) all having strong first day outings. 

From a team standings perspective, only Georgia Military College (300) and Columbus State CC (313) had a better Tuesday than M-State, who shot a 314 total as a team.  The Spartans are tied with Sandhills CC from North Carolina, while another midwestern foe - College of Dupage - is sitting 5th at 319. 

According to Spartans Head Coach Jason Retzlaff:

"It was a solid opening round of golf for us.  While there were a lot of good shots out there, we felt like we left some out there as well and really feel that we can improve as the week progresses... Patience will be the key for us as a 72 hole tourney is a marathon and not a sprint. Mason Landborg really played a nice round of golf today.  His ball striking was excellent."

The full field at the 2017 NJCAA Division III golf national touranment will return to the course tomorrow, with M-State slated to tee off at 10:20am (EST) at Chautauqua Golf Club.  

Story courtesy of M-State Athletics and MCAC Sports