By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

JACKSON, Tenn. – It was a strong first day at The Grover Page Classic for the Tennessee Tech men's golf team Monday, as the Golden Eagles wrapped up the first two rounds of action at Jackson Country Club locked in a battle for the crown.

Competing in Jackson, Tenn., the purple and gold finished the day second overall among 16 teams in competition, posting a two-round total of 9-under 567. Tech ripped off a 283 over the first 18 holes to take an early lead in the action and followed it up with another impressive showing with a 284 in round two.

North Alabama ended the day in the top spot after rattling off a 277 in the second round, taking a five-stroke lead over the Golden Eagles in the final day of play.

In a field of 96 golfers, Tech's Jackson Skeen sat on top at the conclusion of the first 36 holes with an 8-under 136, besting the net-best performer by two shots. The sophomore carded a 3-under 69 in the opening round, balanced with four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 fifth hole.

The Jonesborough, Tenn. native turned things up a notch in round two, firing a 5-under 67 with just two bogeys. Skeen piled up five more birdies and another eagle, this time on the par-5 eighth, ranking second in the field in par-5 scoring with a mark of 7-under.

Junior Mark McDearman tied for third overall on the day, delivering a career-low, 5-under 67 to kick the day off. The Tech veteran racked up six birdies with just a single bogey in the round. He followed things up with an even-par 72, posting four more birdies and an eagle on the par-5 fifth to end the day with a 139.

Making his collegiate debut, Anders Larson enjoyed a great first day in the purple and gold, peppering a 2-under 70 after locking down six birdies to open play. He dropped in not one, but two eagles in the second round on the par-5 15^th and 17^th holes to put together an even-par 72. The rookie ended the day in a tie for 10^th overall with a 142.

Tying for 57^th overall was Chance Taylor, providing a 150 to the effort after rounds of 77 and 73. The senior tallied three birdies in the first before contributing five more in the second. Rounding out the Tech lineup in a tie for 77^th was Alexander Bassel, producing a 155 after scores of 78 and 77.

Junior Sean Anderson competed as an individual in the event, tying for 83^rd with rounds of 79 and 78.

The third and final round of the Grover Page Classic is set to commence at 8:30 a.m. CT with a shotgun start.

File photo by Emily Armstrong