Led by a 14-over-par 158 from freshman James O’Brien that has him in a tie for 25th place, the Missouri Western State University Griffons sit in eighth place as a team after the first 36 holes of the Missouri Intercollegiate, played Tuesday at the Porto Cima Golf Club.

Western shot rounds of 326 -312 for a 638 total that trails leader William Woods (303-296) by 39 strokes. Central Missouri is 10 back and in second place, while Lindenwood is third at 611, Missouri-St. Louis fourth with a 627, Drury fifth with 628 and Rockhurst and Hannibal-LaGrange tied for 6th in the 18 team field with 634.

O’Brien struggled in his opening round of his collegiate career firing an 85 but settled down nicely in round two with a one over 73. Justin Taylor of William Woods leads the event firing a 5-under-par 139 (70-69) opening up a seven-stroke lead over Clarke Fry of Rockhurst and Sean Elliot of Central Missouri, each with 146s.

Junior, Tyler Gast sits in a tie for 29th firing a 159 (80-79) while senior Logan Gilliland is in a tie for 42nd with a 162 (84-78). Freshman Scott Sheldon sits in a tie for 51st with a 166 (84-82) while junior college transfer Kenny Stone sits in a tie for 63rd with a 168 (78-90).

The tournament concludes with 18 holes on Wednesday.

— MWSU Sports Information —