COLORADO SPRINGS — University of Colorado redshirt freshman Sebastian Heisele, one of three Buffalo golfers participating individually, is tied for fourth here after Monday’s first round of the UCCS Spring Invitational.

Heisele turned in 37s on each nine to record a 2-over 74 on the 7,344-yard, par-72 Broadmoor East Course layout, tying him for fourth overall.

Sophomore Michael Imperato is tied for 10th after recording a 37-39—76 effort, with senior Tom Gempel tied for 29th with a 39-41—80 scorecard.

Weather has shortened the tournament, as the Sunday snowstorm that blew through Colorado cancelled Sunday’s practice round as well as one of two rounds that were scheduled Monday.  As a result, the event has been shortened to 36 holes.

UCCS’ Brian Morfeld is the individual leader, having posted a 3-under par 69, good for a three-stroke lead over a pair of CSU-Pueblo golfers.   He led the Mountain Lions to a 294 team score, which is seven strokes better than their rivals from Pueblo.

                Colorado would need four players to post a team score, but the trio of Buffaloes here are the only three active team members who won’t make it past the 50 percent threshold of tournaments competed in for the year, so they had some competition days available to them.  The UCCS coach, Phil Trujillo, invited the Buffs to send down any individuals who fit that requirement.

                “It should help in the process of who we’ll be taking to Big 12s, in addition to the (five rounds) of qualifying we’ll be holding over the next week and a half,” said Jim Grady, CU’s assistant coach who accompanied the players on the trip.  “But it’s also good for these guys to get in this extra play on one of the best tournament courses in Colorado.  It’s great to play here just for fun, but even better for a tournament.”

                The second and final round will be Tuesday, with everyone in the 53-man field teeing off at an 8:30 a.m. shotgun.