GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The Minot State men's golf team finds itself in the race for first place in the spring-opening Maverick Desert Classic after shooting a team-total of 5-over 293 on Monday.

The Beavers sit in a three-way tie for sixth with tournament host Minnesota State, Mankato, and Benedictine-Mesa, but all three teams are just four shots back of tournament leading Augustana, which fired a 1-over 289 on Monday at the Palm Valley Golf Club.

The final round of the tournament tees off Tuesday.

Leading the way for the Beavers on the first day of the spring season was senior Chase Gedak who is tied for seventh individual with a 1-under 71 total for the first 18 holes.

Teammate Jace Carlisle, a graduate student, is one shot behind him in 12^th at even-par 72, while freshman Darien Herlick shot a 1-over 73 on Monday and is tied for 19^th for the Beavers.

Eric Klutke from Benedictine-Mesa leads the individual standings by one shot after a 4-under 68. Emmet Hansen of Augustana sits in second place at 3-under 69.

While the trio of Gedak, Carlisle, and Herlick set the tone for the Beavers' team score, Zach Hendrickson helped out by shooting a 5-over 77 and is tied for 55^th, and Winston Grayson added a 9-over 81 and is tied for 72^nd.

Playing as individuals and not figuring into the Minot State men's team score were Max Karnik, Cameron Schwab, and Gage Olson. Karnik is tied for 24^th after a 2-over 74 on Monday while Schwab is 80^th at 12-over 84 and Olson is 81^st at 16-over 88.