ST. GEORGE, Utah—Brady McKinlay shot a 4-under-par 68 in the first round of the Pizza Hut Pat Hicks Invitational on Friday and is in third place on the individual leaderboard. Utah Valley sits in second place after carding an opening-round 8-under-par 280.
 
Utah Valley (-8) is just two strokes behind Utah State (-10) for the top spot on the 10-team leaderboard. The Wolverines have three golfers in the top-6 on the 68-player leaderboard. 
 
"It was a great start for the boys today," said Utah Valley head coach Chris Curran. "We butchered a few holes and are still in the mix is a big positive. We've got to play the par 5's better tomorrow. Unfortunately a few bad swings lead to a few big numbers but all in all it was a good day."

McKinlay led Utah Valley with a 4-under-par 68 on Friday, carding five birdies, including three on the back nine. McKinlay is just three strokes behind individual leader Jack Anderson (-7) of Tarleton. Utah State's Josh Pehrson is in second place at 6-under-par. 
 
Ethan Efford and Caden Weber are each tied for sixth at 2-under-par 70. Efford recorded four birdies, all on the back nine. Webber also had four birdies with two on the front nine and two on the back side. 
 
Andrew Hawk, who is playing as an individual, shot a 1-under-par 71 and is tied for 13th. Hawk tallied three birdies and eagled the 521-yard par-5 second hole. 
 
Joseph Glenn carded an even par 72 and is tied for 17th. Glenn had two birdies and recorded an eagle on the 504-yard par-5 11th hole. Kai Iguchi is also tied for 17th after shooting an even par 72 on Friday. Iguchi had two birdies and eagled the 354-yard par-4 eighth hole. 
 
Evan Lawrence, who is playing individually, shot a 2-over-par 74 and is tied for 30th. 
 
Utah Valley will play round two of the three-day tournament on Saturday. The Wolverines will tee off at 10 a.m. Live scoring will be available at GolfStat.com