BOULDER City, Nev.—Idaho men's golf began its Big Sky Conference title defense on Friday by shooting a first-round 282, finishing with a combined six-under par at the Boulder Creek Golf Club. The Vandals are positioned behind the leader Sacramento State, who opened with a round of 13-under.

“I feel like we are in a really good place,” head coach David Nuhn said after the round. “We had a few opportunities that got away from us today, but overall we played solid. If we continue to stay patient and positive I think some of those missed putts will drop. I think we are right where we need to be.”

Senior Rylee Iacolucci led the Vandals with a three-under 69, finishing the day tied for fourth. The Cle Elum, Wash., native, totaled four birdies in the round. Junior Ryan Porch finished two strokes back of Iacolucci, totaling a two-under 70. He used an eagle on the fifth hole to finish the front-nine one-under. Porch birdied holes 16 and 17, helping him to a strong finish.

Sophomore Daniel Sutton was Idaho's third player to finish inside the top-10 on the leaderboard. He posted a one-under 71. He used a birdie on 18 to finish the day tied for ninth. Freshman Jacob Scarrow played the day at an even par 72.

Idaho's second round will start at 7 a.m. PT on Saturday. The Vandals will be paired with Sacramento State, playing in pairs opposed to Friday's threesome.

“[Knowing the course] allows us to hit the ground running these next two rounds,” Nuhn added. “Just know where to hit tee-shots with where the wind was today will helps us approach the course tomorrow. We want to be aggressive and smart off the tees.”

Northern Colorado sits three shots back of Idaho in third. Harfrord (-2) and Weber State (+3) round out the top-five.

Stay up to date with the Big Sky Championship by following live on Golfstat.com. For all Idaho men's golf updates follow @Vandalmensgolf on twitter and on GoVandals.com