WKU Golf freshmen Stephen Warren and Riley Grindstaff both teed off impressive collegiate debuts in the first round of the Jim Rivers Intercollegiate on Sunday. The tournament is hosted by fellow Conference-USA member Louisiana Tech and held in Choudrant, Louisiana.

Warren and Grindstaff paced the Hilltoppers on Sunday morning at the par-72, 7,105-yard Squire Creek Country Club as both players shot an even-par 72.

Junior Luke Fuller is tied for 41st as he finished with a 1-over 73 on the day with 14 pars.

Freshman Elliot Pope’s 7-over 79 was WKU’s final score of the day. Pope is tied for 101st after competing in the first round of collegiate golf in his career. Fifth-year Jack Poole finished out the lineup on Sunday by shooting an 8-over 80.

WKU currently sits in 16th place out of 21 teams with 119 total golfers entered in the event. As a group, the Hilltoppers shot an 8-over 296 in the first round of the event.

WKU will return to the golf course on Monday morning for the second round of the Jim Rivers Intercollegiate at 8:20 a.m. CT.

Sports reporter Drew Toennies can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @drew_toennies.