NAIA No. 16 Malone College and Ohio Dominican University, which received votes in the latest NAIA poll, shared the lead after 27 holes as both teams posted identical scores of 449. The Pioneers of Malone are looking for their fifth conference straight title and their 21st overall.

State University of New York-Delhi was six strokes off the lead in third place at 455, while MVNU was fourth at 459. Cedarville University rounded out the top five at 462.

Individually, Justin Lower of Malone holds a one-stroke lead over teammate Ben Smith and SUNY-Delhi’s Dustin Walbridge after firing a one-over-par 109.

The Cougars were led by junior Jared Schlabach (left), who posted a 112 to currently stand in a tie for fifth place. Senior Preston Knight finished with a 115, while junior Tyler Tinch was right behind at 116. Senior Anthony Savage carded a 118, and junior Matt Kerns rounded out the scoring with a 120.

MVNU and the rest of the field will be back in action with 27 more holes on Friday to determine the AMC/Region IX champion. The winner of the tournament receives an automatic berth in the NAIA National Tournament that will be held in Plymouth, Ind.