FINCASTLE, Va. – The West Liberty University men's golf team sits in third place after the opening day of the Bluefield State Invitational at Fincastle Country Club was suspended Monday evening due to darkness.

The Hilltoppers carded a 297 in the first round and were +22 overall midway through round two when play was halted. Host Bluefield State holds the top two spots on the team leaderboard at +9 and +19, with West Liberty just three shots behind in third.

Junior Justin Doerr paced the Hilltoppers with a standout performance, firing an opening-round even-par 72 and sitting at 3-under through 13 holes in round two — good for first place among all individuals when play was suspended.

Ethan Cook followed with a 73 (+3) in round one and was +8 overall through 12 holes in round two, tied for 20th. Brandon Lawhon turned in a solid 77 (+7) in the opening round and was even through 13 holes of his second round, while Adam Gill matched consistency with rounds of 75 (+5) and +5 through 13 in round two. Tanner Pelaez rounded out West Liberty's lineup with an 83 (+13) in round one.

The Hilltoppers' strong start was highlighted by Doerr's sharp play on both nines of Fincastle's par-70 layout. After carding a 38 on the front nine and rallying with a 34 (-1) on the back in his first round, he carried momentum into round two — sitting at five-under through 13 holes with five birdies on his card before play was halted.

Tournament officials plan to resume second-round play Tuesday morning before beginning the final round.

West Liberty Team Scores (Through Suspension)