OLEAN, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure University golf team stands in second place, just three shots back of first-place Robert Morris after the first day of the 27th annual Leo Keenan Invitational at Bartlett Country Club.
Three players broke par under sunny skies Sunday, led by Garrett Browning of Robert Morris who fired a 68 for the best score of the day. Northern Kentucky's Clayton Portz and St. Francis (Pa.)'s Chris Stricek each turned in a one-under 69.
The Bonnies shot a total team score of 291 in the opening round, paced by Josh Stauffer's one-over 71. With three birdies on the day, Stauffer placed fifth on the individual leaderboard. Corey Long provided the Bonnies with a solid day, posting a 72 to stand in a tie for sixth in individual scores.
Brent Morgan also posted a trio of birdies for the Bonnies and finished the day with a 73 after turning in an even-par 35 on the back nine to put himself in a tie for ninth on the overall leaderboard. Matt Abendroth recorded a 75 while Patrick Milkovich turned in a 77 to round out the scoring for the Bonnies.
Milkovich had one of the top moments on the day, delivering one of three eagles in round one with his three on the par-five 14th. Browning also carded an eagle for Robert Morris as did Drexel's Aaron Fricke.
Robert Morris holds the overnight lead after a team total of 288, led by Browning's 68. Mike McMorrow and David Syzmanski each fired 73 to also lead the Colonials. RMU delivered a field-best 13 birdies as a team to rise to the top of the leaderboard Sunday.
Northern Kentucky stands third at 293 behind the 69 from Portz while Drexel is fourth with a 295 and St. Francis fifth at 296.
The tournament will conclude with 18 holes on Monday. All teams will tee off at 9:30 a.m. in a shotgun start.
Team Scores After 18 Holes:
1. Robert Morris - 288
2. St. Bonaventure - 291
3. Northern Kentucky - 293
4. Drexel - 295
5. St. Francis (PA) 296
6. Humber - 297
7. Central Connecticut - 302
8. Niagara - 303
9. Ottawa - 304
10. Lawrence Tech - 307
