The Bluffton University men's golf team struggled with its short game on day one of the Heartland Conference championships. The Beavers stand in 7th place, but they are still firmly within striking distance of Mount St. Joseph and Franklin heading into round two.

Senior Spencer Daniels (Ashland) carried the torch on Friday, shooting an 81 which placed him in a tie for 19th place. Two strokes back is reigning HCAC Player of the Week Nathan Eberle (Grove City).

Clay Quellhorst (St. Marys/Memorial) and Nick Offenburger (Mansfield/Lexington) rounded out the top four on day one as they both shot 86. Looking to keep up his momentum after holing out from 161 yards on number 18 will be Hunter Jolliff (Elida) who finished with an 87 on Friday.

Bluffton is back at Miami Whitewater Forest on Saturday for day two of the HCAC Championships. The Beavers will be in the first flight, starting with an 11 a.m. tee time for Jolliff.