(Litchfield Park, AZ) – Dixie State College sophomore David Cunningham fired a two-under par to open Monday’s first round play of the NCAA II Central/West Regional Championship.

Cunningham’s below par performance led the DSC team to a 13th place first round start. Overall the team carded a 13-over 301. Leader Chico State distanced itself right off the bat, scoring a 15-under-par 273. Colorado School of Mines and Cal State Stanislaus are tied for second with a 283, followed by fourth-place Grand Canyon (285) and fifth place Cal State Monterey Bay (280).

“We played really well on the front nine but, struggled a little on the back,” said DSC Head Coach Reed McArthur. “Our team has been improving all year and I expect us to keep improving. This tournament is far from over, but I am pleased with our start.”

Cunningham recorded four birdies on the front nine and is tied for ninth on the par 72, 7132-yard Gold Course of the Wigwam Golf Resort.

Senior Kyle Chappell recorded two birdie and two bogies on the front nine, but bogeyed the 11th and 15th for a two over par 74.. He is tied with 10 other players for 32nd place.

Matthew Brereton carded a 78(tied for 76) and Nick Drost entered the clubhouse with a 79 tied for 84th. Hayden Christensen shot a one-over par front nine, but had three double bogeys on the back and finished with an 81.

As the defending national champion, Chico State's Kyle Souza finished the first day’s action in the lead with a 7-under 65.

The Red Storm teed off its second round play at 7:30AM Tuesday morning and will finish the final round on Wednesday.

Teams are playing to finish in the top five of this tournament to qualify for the NCAA II Championship tournament, May 14-18, in Louisville, Ky. The top five individuals not connected to a team advancing will also qualify for the national tournament.

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TEAM LEADERBOARD

1. Chico State 273 (-15)

T 2. Colorado School of Mines 283 (-5); Cal State Stanislaus 283 (-5)

4. Grand Canyon 285 (-3)

5. Cal State Monterey Bay 290 (+2)

6. Western Washington 291 (+3)

7. Colorado State – Pueblo 295 (+7)

T8. Cal State East Bay 296 (+8); St. Cloud State 296 (+8)

10. Nebraska – Kearney 298 (+10)

11. Bemidji State 299 (+11)

12. Hawaii Hilo 300 (+12)

13. Dixie State 301 (+13)

14. Colorado – Colorado Springs 303 (+15)

T 15. Minnesota State – Mankato 306 (+18); Western New Mexico 306 (+18)

17. Colorado Mesa 307 (+19)

18. St. Martin's 309 (+21)

19. UC San Diego 310 (+22)

20. Concordia – St. Paul 319 (+31)

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INDIVIDUAL LEADERBOARD

1. Kyle Souza (Chico State) 65 (-7)

2. Jim Knous (CSM) 66 (-6)

3. Eric Fazzetta (Chico State) 67 (-5)

T4. Blake Ahlin (CSUEB) 68 (-4); Trevor Blair (Stanislaus) 68 (-4)

T6. Jordan Amdt (CSM) 69 (-3); James Berry (CSUP) 69 (-3); Dylan Goodwin (WWU) 69 (-3)

T9. Alex Sobstad (CSUMB) 70 (-2); David Cunningham (Dixie State) 70 (-2); Chris Doyle (Chico State) 70 (-2); Chris McCracken (Stanislaus) 70 (-2); Brandon Moore (Grand Canyon) 70 (-2)