NEWTON, KAN.— Kayden Pendergrass (senior, Mount Vernon) matched his career low as the Central College men's golf team opened in fourth place at the 10-team Sand Creek Station Intercollegiate Monday.
           
Pendergrass fired a 2-under-par 70 in the afternoon round after carding a 73 in the morning. He's in sixth place individually at 73-70—143. Making the team's first appearance at the par-72 Sand Creek Station Golf Course, the Dutch shot 316-306—622, NAIA Friends University (Kan.) is the 36-hole leader in the 54-hole tourney at 278-276--554.
           
"It was a great day for Kayden," coach Mel Blasi said. "I love it when guys that work really hard get rewarded. He just works his tail off."
           
Winds gusted nearly 35 mph, Blasi said, but Pendergrass was sharp throughout with seven birdies on the day.
           
"He's a good wind player," Blasi said. "He keeps the ball down and really knows how to navigate around the greens. He was really on his game today on a great golf course."
           
Blake Wynn (junior, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) shot 80-78--158 while Maison Brandt (freshman, Byron, Ill.)  shot 81-78--159, Cooper Langfelt (senior, Tabor, Fremont Mills HS) had 82-80—162 and Jackson Murphy (senior, Carthage, Ill., Illini West HS) had 91-87—178. Ethan Gordon (senior, Pella), playing as an at-large entrant, shot 78-86--164.
           
"I was really happy with the way the guys kept their heads and stayed in it, in spite of the tough conditions," Blasi said.
           
Langfelt and Murphy haven't been varsity regulars but Blasi said they earned a shot.
           
"Cooper was a football player that converted to golf," Blasi said. "His sophomore year he decided to go full time with golf and he's come a long way. He just keeps getting better and better.
           
"Jackson is graduating at semester and this is a really good way for him to finish his career."
           
Tuesday's final round completes Central's fall season schedule.