LAS VEGAS, NV -- Texas A&M’s Martin Piller grabbed the individual lead at the prestigious Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship after firing an opening round 67 on Friday at the Southern Highlands Golf Course.

Piller, a junior from Dallas, Texas, carded the best round of his college career by posting seven birdies and just two bogeys along with nine pars.

Piller’s previous low round was a 68 at the season-opening The International Collegiate. Piller has a one-stroke lead over UCLA’s Kevin Chappell (68).

As a team, the Aggies shot a five-over 293 and are in a tie for seventh place in the team race. UCLA took the first day lead with a six-under 282 and are trailed by Georgia (285), Georgia Tech (286), Arizona State (290), Florida (291), Minnesota (292) and Arizona (293).

Rounding out A&M’s scores were Bronson Burgoon (+3, 75), Trey Todd (+3, 75), Chris Massoletti (+4, 76) and Andrea Pavan (+6, 78).