PHOENIX, Ariz. --- California Baptist University currently sits in 12th place after shooting a 587 on day one of the Grand Canyon Thunderbird Invitational.

CBU opened the day posting a 298 in the first round and then dropped nine strokes to shoot 289 in the afternoon.

The Lancers were led by Steven Watson who carded a 139 (71-68), sitting in a tie for fifth individually. Tim Tait also broke 70, shooting a 69 in the second round to finish the day at 146 after a 77 to open the day.

"Steven played two solid rounds and helped us through some tough scores in the morning," said Head Coach Lane Pace. "He's really playing well as of late. I was also happy to see Tim rebound after a tough opening round."

Watson is coming off the first individual win of his collegiate career last time out.

Fredrik Hansson shot 148 (74-74) and Leonard Rooney shot 154 (76-78) to round out the scoring for CBU.

"If we go out and get everybody playing solid tomorrow we can make up some ground," said Pace. "We played much better in the afternoon so hopefully we keep that going."

The Lancers are just a stroke behind tournament host Grand Canyon and six strokes outside of the Top 10.

Cal State Stanislaus leads the field, shooting 562 (279-283) on the first day of play. Western Washington (280-285) and the Grand Canyon "B" team (282-283) are tied for second place.