BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Junior Tyler Cassetty is tied for 23rd place individually with a round of 74, leading Tennessee Tech into a tie for 12th place following the first round of action Monday at the Samford Invitational.

The 18-team field was in the middle of the second round later Monday, but might not get the entire round in before dark.

Central Arkansas had four players under 70 in the opening round and blazed its way to a 274 team total, earning a 19-stroke lead over the rest of the field. The Alabama JV squad (293) is second, followed in the Top Five by Illinois State (295), Eastern Kentucky (297) and both Southern Illinois and Wintrop (299).

Tech shot a 305 to place it in a tie with Murray State in 12th place.

Cassetty carded a 35 on the front nine and a 39 on the back for his two-over 74. Greg Kitts is tied for 30th place at 75, followed in coach Craig King's lineup by Lee Maxwell (77), Mason Griffin (79) and Sam Schrock (80).

Once the second round is completed, either late Monday or early Tuesday, the final 18 holes are slated for Tuesday at the Limestone Springs Golf Club.