LEXINGTON, KY.—Nearly matching the career-best score he shot on the same course a year ago, Central College's Harold Dobernecker (senior, Nevada) fired a 3-under-par 70-71—141 at the season-opening Transylvania (Ky.) Fall Invitational Saturday.
           
Playing at the par-72 University Club of Kentucky in a 17-team field that includes seven schools receiving votes in the Golfweek Division III Coaches Poll, Central is tied for 10th at 290-296—586. McDaniel College (Md.) leads with 290-283—573 while No. 18-ranked Greensboro College (N.C.) is second at 289-285—574.
           
A talented field combined with ideal scoring conditions to produce low numbers.
           
"I would not call it an easy course," Blasi said. "If you put a 20-mph wind on this course, the scores go up dramatically but the winds were light today."
           
Dobernecker is ninth in the individual standings, six shots out of the lead. He shot a career-best 69 on the course last year.
           
"Really, from start to finish he played really well," Blasi said. "He putted well and he made a lot of birdies."
                
John Oltman (junior, Pella) followed, birdieing his final hole to finish with a 1-over-par 72-73—145.
           
"The potential has been there for John," Blasi said. "He's playing really well right now. He's very much in control of his game."
           
Blake Wynn (sophomore, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) shot 75-76—151, Jacob Moffett (junior, Mount Pleasant) had 72-79—151 and Cole McGriff (junior, Grinnell) had 76-77—153. Playing as an at-large individual, Jackson Murphy (sophomore, Carthage, Ill., Illini West HS) shot 77-77—154.
            "
Blake Wynn played really well tee to green today," Blasi said. He's been putting better in practice. He had a little rougher day on the greens today but I expect him to bounce right back. His ball striking has been really good."
           
Blasi also praised Moffett, who is playing through injury.
           
"He's played with it for three years but it's really been bothering him lately," he said. "He barely qualified in the five spot and then he shoots 72 for us. That was big for us."
           
The 54-hole tourney concludes with 18 holes Sunday.
           
"It sure would be nice to jump up there and maybe get a top-six or -seven finish," Blasi said.