SE GOLFERS LEAD MURRAY ST. INVITATIONAL BY THREE SHOTS

MURRAY, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State University's golf team, coming off a second-place finish in its own meet to open the season earlier this week, is off to a fast start in the Murray State Invitational.

The Indians shot a 36-hole total of 576 Friday to lead the 11-team field. Saint Louis is second at 579 while Eastern Kentucky is third at 581.

The tournament will conclude today with 18 holes.

"We're off to a good start, but we've still got to play well over the last 18," said Southeast coach Gary Squires.

Southeast has three players in the top 10 individually, led by tourney leader Jason Owen, who is at 3-under 139 after rounds of 68 and 71.

Jake Saladin is fifth at 3-over 145 (73-72) while freshman Ryan Smith is tied for eighth at 4-over 146 (75-71).

Also for the Indians, Derek Rahlmann shot 151 (72-79-151) while Bryan Johnson is at 154 (75-79), the same score as Cape Central High product Dane McLaird (80-74).