MT STERLING, Ky. - Freshman Corey Sheppard didn't let the wind and rain hamper his game. The Englander stepped up and fired a 70 on Monday to give the Lee men's golf team the opening round lead in the NCCAA Mid-East Region. In fact it was a day totally dominated by coach John Maupin's team on the Old Silos Golf Club links.
The Flames are the defending NCCAA national champs and their first-round 296 will give them an impressive 20-stroke lead over second place Bluefield College (316) when play continues in the 36-hole event on Tuesday.
Mississippi College finished with a 317, followed by a 319 by Campbellsville and Hiwassee College's 322.
Sheppard's 70 was followed by a 74 by Peyton Sliger. Taylor Davis, Matt Strube and Adam Wright each carded a 76 for the Flames.
In the medalist competition, Sheppard holds a two-stroke lead over teammate Sliger. Lee's Ryne Thompson, playing in the individual competition, is tied for third with Justin Hulbert of Mississippi College. Three Lee players are deadlocked for fifth.