DECATUR, Ill. – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College senior Justin Hopkins fired a 3-under-par 69 on Friday to lead the Pomeroys during the opening round of the Take Back The Night Challenge, hosted by Millikin University at Red Tail Run Golf Course.

Hopkins, who sits in a tie for third place overall in the 120-player field, posted five birdies and turned in a consistent effort with scores under par on both the front and back nine. His performance helped SMWC finish the day tied for 15th in the 20-team field at 19-over-par.

Also contributing to SMWC's team score was Colby Beckwith, who shot a 2-over 74 to tie for 37th. Brevin Cooper and Benjamin Goshen each recorded rounds of 81 and 83, respectively. Chase Nuckols rounded out the Pomeroys' lineup with a 92.

Nolan Allen, competing as an individual, matched Cooper with a round of 81.

Illinois Wesleyan, ranked No. 5 nationally, leads the team standings after day one at 14-under-par, followed by No. 25 UW-Eau Claire at 8-under.

The tournament concludes Saturday with the final round scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. CT.