COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Paxton Maxwell is tied for first after firing a 4-under-par 68 in Saturday's opening round of the Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational at Eisenhower Golf Club's Blue Course on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus.

Utah Valley carded an even-par 288 and sits sixth in the 23-team field, just five shots back of leader Idaho (283).

"The boys played well. Conditions kept changing. I'm impressed with what I've seen from this young team," head coach Chris Curran said. "Paxton put together a great round but actually left a few shots out there."

Maxwell rolled in eight birdies en route to his 68 and shares the top spot with California Baptist's Jared Abercrombie. The duo holds a one-stroke lead over a group of five players at 3-under.

JJ Tomsick posted an even-par 72 with three birdies and is tied for 26th. Colby Hutchens is tied for 36th after a 1-over 73, also with three birdies. Isaiah Ellis recorded five birdies in a 3-over 75 and is tied for 63rd, while Ty Brady is tied for 77th after a 4-over 76.

In the Air Force Silver Individual on the Eisenhower Silver Course, UVU individuals Elliot Bond and Andrew Hawk turned in solid rounds. Bond carded a 1-under 71 with seven birdies to sit tied for 12th on the 40-player leaderboard. Hawk is tied for 19th after a 1-over 73.

Utah Valley continues play with Sunday's second round, with tee times beginning at 8:30 a.m. Live scoring is available at Scoreboard.Clippd.com.