BECKER, Minn. – Senior Nick Hansen (Watertown, SD) is tied for first place after the opening round of the UMAC Championships. Hansen shot a career-low 71, which is also a record round for a Bethany golfer at these Championships. The previous mark was 72 set by Joe Baer in 2007.
 
This marked the first time a 71 has been carded since Thomas Messner from Crown and Josh Hansen of Martin Luther both achieved this at the 2015 Championships.
 
Bethany Lutheran is in first in the eight-team field with its 301. This set a new 18-hole team school record at these championships. The previous best was 303 set in 2007.
 
Senior V. Daniel Nitardy (Fort Atkinson, Wis.) tied his career-low (74).
 
BLC holds a six-stroke lead over defending champion, UW-Superior.
 
This competition took place at Pebble Creek Golf Club.

Team standings
1             Bethany Lutheran            301 +13
2             UW-Superior                     307 +19
3             North Central University 311 +23
4             Northwestern                   318 +30
5             Crown College                  319 +31
6             Martin Luther College    335 +47
7             Minnesota - Morris         338 +50
8             Northland College           341 +53
 
Bethany's competitors:
T1           Nick Hansen -1 71
T3           V. Daniel Nitardy +2 74
6             Noah Fick +4 76
T15        Gabriel Stoesz +8 80
26          Thomas Havnen +11 83

The second of three rounds commences Friday.