Tigers in the hunt after opening round

SUNBURY — The Tigers are on the prowl.

Spencer Keller fired a 1-over 73 and Matthew McMullen carded a 75 as Galion shot a team total of 324, good for fourth place after the opening round of the Division II state tournament at NorthStar Golf Club.

A junior, Keller was just one stroke off the lead. Greenview’s Mason Witt and Claymont’s Cameron Henry both shot 72s.

Galion was just one stroke behind Garaway in the team standings. Columbus Academy (308) was the leader at the midway point, followed closely by Kettering Alter (310).

“I’m very pleased with the way we played today,” coach Bryce Lehman said. “When we played this course in August, we shot a 336 from the next set of tees. To improve by 12 strokes since then, I’m very proud of the boys.”

Both Keller and McMullen were members of Galion’s 2017 and 2018 state-qualifying teams. The Tigers finished sixth at NorthStar in 2017 and were fifth at Ohio State’s Scarlet Course last year.

Bronson Dalenberg carded an 86 for the Tigers, while Nick McMullen shot a 90 and Max Longwell had a 93. All three are state tournament rookies.

“Those three guys had never played in a sectional tournament before this year, let alone state,” Lehman said. “To be one stroke out of third and 16 out of first, I couldn’t be any happier.”

The 324 was Galion’s best opening round during its current three-year state-qualifying streak.

“The kids are excited,” Lehman said. “On the way back to the hotel we said, ‘Let’s not let anyone catch us tomorrow.’ ”

The forecast for Saturday’s final round is calling for lows in the upper-30s and light rain in the morning.

“The first thing they said when we got in the van was they wanted to go shopping so they could get an extra layer,” Lehman said. “With the wind chill values, it’s going to feel like its 36 degrees when we tee off at 9 o’clock.

“It’s going to be a grind, but they understand what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Division II Girls

Shelby shot a team total of 372 and was in 12th place after the opening round of the Division II state tournament at Ohio State’s Gray Course.

Nicole Jones carded a 2-over 72 and was tied for fifth individually. Julia Gutchall had a 94, while Glion Stumbo shot a 98 and Maci Westmeister had a 108.