GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Competing for the first time in the spring portion of its schedule, Missouri S&T's golf team holds a solid lead after the first day of the Maverick Spring Classic at Palm Valley Golf Club.

The Miners shot a four-under-par 284 to take a 12-shot lead over their closest competitor, Rockhurst, through the first 18 holes of play and has four of the top nine individuals in the standings.

Carl Miltun (Gilbert, AZ/Williams Field) leads that group as he shot a five-under 67, which included seven birdies on the afternoon.  Miltun was one-under after completing the front nine, then had birdies on four of the first five holes to start the back nine as he would go on to shoot a 32 over the second half of his round.

He was one of just two players to shoot under par in the round – Rockhurst's David Schlip finished at one-under – but the Miners have three individuals that shot even par at 72 to land in a tie for third.  Carter Schmitt (Baton Rouge, LA/Catholic) shot an eagle on the 11^th hole on his way to his even par round, while Isaac To (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia/Real International School) and Cole Komyati (Elberta, AL/Bayside Academy) joined him in the tie for third.

Nicolas Estrada (Zaragoza, Spain/IES Valdespartera) finished with a one-over-par 73 and is in a tie for 10^th place, while Connor Benjamin (Nelson Bay, Australia/St. Philip's Christian College) finished a three-over 75 and is tied for 20^th.  Joey Friedel (St. Peters, MO/Fort Zumwalt South) finished with a 76 and Jeppe Thybo (Esbjerg, Denmark/Rybners Gymnasium) had an 82 on the opening day.

The second round will take place on Tuesday to wrap up the event.