By BRIAN ROSENER ~ DAR Sports Editor

REPUBLIC -- Trent Hillis didn't like how he played the first round of the MSHSAA Class 4 state golf tournament Monday, so he was surprised to see his name among the leaders.

The Poplar Bluff sophomore shot a 4-over 76 at Island Green Golf Course and is tied for 14th, five shots off the lead heading into today's final round.

"I was a little frustrated," Hillis said. "Kind of surprised. I'm in position and have a chance. I guess that's all you want is a shot."

Poplar Bluff's Zach Stricker shot an 83 and is tied for 69th while senior Corey Poteet shot a 90.

Jackson freshman Tanner Werner and Kickapoo junior Dillon Maloney each shot 1-under 71 to lead the field heading into today's final round.

"If it rains, I think Trent will be mentally tough to play through it," Mules coach Billy Pyland said.

Hillis started his round Monday with three straight pars before running into trouble. After bogeys on Nos. 4 and 5, the sophomore missed the green on 6 and ended up with a double bogey.

Birdies on Nos. 10 and 15 got Hillis back to 2-over before bogeys on Nos. 16 and 18, a pair of par-4s. He said four three-putts hurt the most.

Hillis, who earned an all-state medal last year by finishing 10th, is one of 16 players within five shots of the leaders.

"I feel like I can play better (today)," he said. "I think I'll put the ball in better spots."

CLASS 3: At Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield, Dexter sophomore Chance Holden shot a 7-over 79 and is tied for 17th.

CLASS 2: At Deer Lake Golf Course in Springfield, Clearwater sophomore Tanner McKinney shot a 5-over 77 and is tied for 10th, six shots off the lead. Malden junior Zane Huckeby shot an 84 and is tied for 38th.

CLASS 1: At Silo Ridge Golf Course in Bolivar, Van Buren freshman Zane Betz is tied for 11th after shooting a 10-over 82.