Russell Grove takes one-shot lead midway through Lilac City Invitational

Russell Grove moved to the top of the Lilac City Invitational leader board Friday after another tough scoring day in breezy conditions at the Fairways.

Grove’s 4-under-par 68 improved his two-round total to 9-under 135, one stroke in front of former Washington State Cougar Derek Bayley.

Grove, golf coach at North Idaho College and 2013 Lilac champion, had three eagles and a birdie on the four par 5s. He has eagled the par-5 14th in both rounds.

Bayley shot 2-under 70 despite a triple bogey on No. 15. The Lakeland High product had a double bogey Thursday on the same hole.

Seventeen players are within six shots of Grove midway through the 72-hole tournament.

Vinnie Murphy, last year’s champion, shot a 69 to move into a four-way tie for third at 137. He’s joined by first-round leader Steve Tarkon (72), 2016 runner-up Jesse Schutte (69) and Ephrata’s Andrew Whalen (68).

Tacoma Country Club’s Derek Barron (69), the 2016 champion, and Peter Lansburgh, who had the day’s low round with a 67, share seventh at 6-under 138.

The final threesome of Grove, Bayley and Murphy tee off at 1:30 Saturday.