Grace sits atop the leaderboard after the first day of the NCCAA Golf National Championships. Photo courtesy the Grace College Sports Information Department

By Jeff Raymond
Grace College Sports Information

PALM COAST, Fla. – The Grace men’s golf team posted the low score during the first day of the NCCAA Golf National Championships, played at the Hammock Beach Ocean Course in Palm Coast, Florida. The Lancers shot a combined 301 to hold a three-shot lead over Asbury College (Ky.), which shot 304, and a five-shot advantage over Malone University (Ohio) with a 306.

The women’s golf team withstood the ups and downs of the opening round of the NCCAA National Championships, finishing the first 18 holes in second place. The Lancers posted a round of 333, trailing familiar foe Bethel University, which leads the women’s tournament with a round of 324.

Parker Wilburn shot his best round of the season, posting a 3-under 69 and taking the individual lead. He is the only golfer to shoot below par in the opening round.

Noah Wright completed the first round with a 76, while Blake Lawson shot 76 and Chase Byron finished at 78. Payton Kelly completed the squad with an 83.

Two Grace players are currently in the top five individually, led by Carolyn Pacocha in a tie for second with a round of 78. Sloane Winders also played well, coming in with a 79 that puts her in fifth place.

Rebecca Hawes is in 10th place with a score of 85, followed by Grace May and Lucy Young who both shot 91.

“They say you can’t win a three-day tournament in the first round,” said Coach Denny Duncan. “We didn’t have as many good scores as we needed today, but Carolyn and Sloane were excellent. I still like our chances. Team depth is the strength of our team and I expect it to come through the next two rounds.”

The 54-hole tournament continues on Tuesday with the second round and will conclude on Wednesday with the final round.

FIRST ROUND MEN’S TEAM SCORES
1. Grace – 301
2. Asbury – 304
3. Malone – 306
4. Bob Jones – 309
5. Cedarville – 310
6. Bethel – 320
7. Campbellsville-Harrodsburg – 322
8. Central Christian – 334
9. North Central – 337

FIRST ROUND WOMEN’S TEAM SCORES
1. Bethel – 324
2. Grace – 333
3. Oakland City – 354
4. Central Christian – 357
5. Judson – 364
6. Trinity Christian – 387