TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Northeastern State's Nathan Biais will open play Thursday at the NCAA Midwest/Central Regional, a three-day, 54-hole tournament held at Katke Golf Club in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Biais is one of eight individual qualifiers competing alongside a 20-team field, all vying for a spot in the NCAA Championships.

The junior enters the regional ranked No. 16 in the Central Region and No. 144 nationally. He posted a 72.7 scoring average over 29 rounds this season and compiled a 74.26 winning percentage. Biais earned All-MIAA First Team honors and claimed medalist honors at the Rattler Invitational in February.

To advance, Biais must finish as one of the top two individuals not on a qualifying team, as the top four teams from the regional will move on to the NCAA Championships, scheduled for May 18-22 at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada.

Biais is set to tee off the opening round at 8:42 a.m. Thursday.