Hughes, Stevenson stand out again; SSU men's golf sits in tie for third after opening day of Ohio Christian Fall Invitational

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio -- Continuing its improvement as a program as the fall season hits its midway point, the Shawnee State men's golf program posted a season-best round as a unit following the opening day of the Ohio Christian Fall Invitational -- as the Bears shot an 11-over 299 as a group to put Shawnee State in a tie for third place overall following the first day of the two-day, 11-team event, which was held at Pickaway Golf Course and Country Club Monday afternoon.

The round, which was the Bears' best of the year, saw Shawnee State get good efforts once again from upperclassmen Logan Hughes and Tanner Stevenson.

Hughes, who shot an even par 72 following the opening day of competition, sits six shots back of the lead but just three shots away from third place and a potential all-tournament team finish with his play following the first round of action.

The junior from Flemingsburg, Ky. birdied an impressive six holes -- as in addition to collecting birdies on the fifth and seventh holes of competition, the experienced hand posted four birdies (11th, 13th, 14th and 16th) on the back nine, while nabbing pars on nine additional greens to finish off an impressive day that has Hughes in a tie for ninth in the 53-player field.

Stevenson, who continued his own consistent play, finished with a one-over 73 to sit 13th in the overall field. The senior birdied the fifth, eighth, 10th, 11th and 16th holes while posting pars on eight additional greens to sit just four shots back of a top-three position.

Ross Ferrell and Trey Cracraft, who have been scoring hands throughout the early portion of the season for Shawnee State, shot opening round 77s to tie for 22nd place with three additional individuals -- putting four Shawnee State golfers well within the top half of the field. Cayden Haislop's 32nd place showing has the freshman from nearby Pike County in a tie with two additional players -- and rounded out the scoring for the Bears.

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Shawnee State will be back in action Tuesday afternoon for the second and final day of the Ohio Christian Fall Invitational at the Pickaway Golf Course and Country Club in Circleville.