The Illinois men’s golf team was able to hold off the powerhouse field during the first round of the Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields, as the Illini finished day one tied for first place.

Illinois is tied with two Big Ten rivals, No. 20 Indiana and Penn State. The three schools each shot 288, good for eight-over par.

Sophomores Chris DeForest and Zach Barlow made the most individual noise. DeForest shot an even-par 70, including a three-under back nine of 32, tying him for fifth place overall. DeForest was one of just nine players to shoot par or better on Friday. Barlow is tied for 10th after firing a 71.

Seven teams are within three strokes of the lead.

The 54-hole tournament continues Saturday, as the Illini are paired with co-leaders Penn State and Indiana.