ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The St. Joseph Country Club traded its lush fairways for a waiting game on Monday, as the Harding Bisons successfully completed the first round of the MWSU Holiday Inn Express Invitational only moments before heavy rains washed out the remainder of the day's scheduled play.

The Bisons found themselves tied for fourth place among 10 teams after the single 18-hole round, carding an 18-over 302 on the par-71, 6,577-yard course. Minnesota-Crookston held the narrow lead after the shortened day, posting a 9-over 293, one stroke ahead of Northeastern State.

The first round provided high drama for the Bisons' top performers, who had to overcome early setbacks and the looming weather threat.

Junior Dennis Staykov exemplified the team's resilience. Despite opening his round with a double bogey followed by a bogey, Staykov rallied with three critical birdies over a five-hole stretch to finish at 2-over 73. His comeback vaulted him into a seven-way tie for fourth place individually, just four strokes behind the leader, Ian Wilcoxen of Northeastern State.

Senior Jose Manuel Peralta delivered the highlight of the round, sinking his second eagle of the season on the par-5, 510-yard 17th hole. Peralta finished the day 3-over 74, placing him in a tie for 11th.

Rounding out the Bisons' four counting scores were junior Conner Geist (6-over 77, T-30th) and sophomore Austin Bibb (7-over 78, T-36th). Geist found his rhythm late, sinking all three of his birdies in his final eight holes. Junior Jose Arzu also competed, posting an 8-over 79 (T-45th) as the team's non-counting score.

Despite the high total team score, the Bisons found a bright spot in their precision, tying for the tournament lead on par 3s, which they played at a combined 7-over.

Due to the cancellation of Monday's second round, the tournament will conclude with the final 18-hole round Tuesday.

The MWSU Holiday Inn Express Invitational marks the fourth of five tournaments for Harding in their fall semester schedule.