QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. – Evan Lambert tied for 15th place overall to lead the Hope International men's golf team at the season-opening Park Gilbert Shootout on Friday at Las Colinas Golf Course.

The Royals finished in third place behind host Park Gilbert and runner-up Benedictine Mesa.

Lambert shot a 15-over par 228 over 54 holes to finish alongside BENU's Isaac Cota. The first two rounds of the tournament were played at Whirlwind Golf Course. Lambert's best round came on Thursday when he shot a 2-over 73.

In his Royals debut, freshman Kaden Robinson tied for 21st overall with an aggregate 19-over 232. He overcame a tough first round 84 to post rounds of 75 and 73.

Fellow freshmen Ethan Long and Noah Neuschwanger also made their HIU debuts. Long posted a 24-over 237 and saved his best round for last, carding a 74 on Friday. Neuschwanger placed 27th overall with a 54-hole total of 244.

Dominick Rivera also competed for the Royals, finishing in 25th overall at 24-over 239.

The Royals return to the state of Arizona for their next tournament – the OUAZ Fall Invitational – which runs September 28-29 at the Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club in Surprise, Ariz.