The Manitoba Bisons remain in contention entering the final day of the Canada West Golf Championships after shooting a team score of 18-over 302 in Monday's opening round at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort in Lethbridge, Alta.

Manitoba sits sixth in the nine-team field, just eight strokes behind the tournament-leading UBC Thunderbirds (10-over 294). Alberta is second at 11-over 295, followed by UBC Okanagan at 13-over 297. Victoria and Calgary are tied for fourth at 16-over 300, two shots ahead of the Bisons.

Leading the way for Manitoba was reigning Canada West silver medalist Rory Neill, who carded an even-par 71. The veteran entered Tuesday tied for third individually, three strokes back of leader Aneesh Kaura of UBC, who shot 3-under 68.

Neill shares third place with Victoria's Owen Croft, while Alberta's Kai Baerg sits second at 2-under 69.

Ryan Blair also put himself in position for a strong finish, shooting 4-over 75 to sit tied for 14th. Terence Rafferty is tied for 16th after an opening-round 76, while Jack Rudick is tied for 33rd at 9-over 80. Ryder Pufahl rounded out Manitoba's lineup.

With only one round remaining, the Bisons are just two strokes behind the teams tied for fourth and five strokes back of third-place UBC Okanagan, leaving plenty of room to climb the standings on Tuesday.

The University of the Fraser Valley is seventh at 22-over 306, while host Lethbridge and Regina are tied for eighth at 35-over 319.

The 2026 Canada West champions will be crowned following Tuesday's second and final round.