FROM STAFF REPORTS

HOOVER – The University of Montevallo men’s golf team is tied for fifth in team standings following the first round of the Samford University Intercollegiate tournament March 4 stacked with NCAA Division I programs at the Hoover Country Club.

The Falcons collectively carded a team score of 8-over par 296 in the first round, leaving Montevallo just nine strokes behind tournament leader Vanderbilt University. Montevallo, which is tied with Winthrop University, is one of only two NCAA Division II teams in the 18-team field.

The Falcons are just five strokes behind second-place Auburn University. Furman and Georgia Southern are also in the top five in team standings. Montevallo leads host Samford University, along with Eastern Kentucky, Francis Marion, Western Carolina, Tennessee Tech, UT-Martin, Belmont, Presbyterian, Southern Illinois, Murray State, Bowling Green and Evansville.

The Falcons played 12 holes into the second round before play was suspended until March 5.

“The team played great today,” said Montevallo men’s golf coach Justin Pratt. “We still need a little more from our fourth and fifth score, but we have to be really happy with where we sit after round one. We finished 12 holes in the second round and are even par as a team. To be where we are in a good Division I event is exciting, but this should be what is expected when the guys play well, play with discipline, stick to their gameplan and show their mental game is strong. As long as they don’t get caught up in the things they can’t control tomorrow and stick to what got them in this position, they will play well.”

Junior Conner Godsey led the Falcons with a 1-under par 71 in the opening round, which places him in a tie for fifth overall in individual standings following the first round.

Freshman Dalton Skinner shot a 1-over par 73 in the first round, which places him in a tie for 16^th overall in individual standings.

Senior Andrew Lowry and freshman Juan Noce each carded a 4-over par 76 in the opening round, leaving the pair in a tie for 45^th overall in individual standings.

Senior Austin Murphey rounded out the group of Montevallo golfers with his 9-over par 81 in the first round, which places him in a tie for 81^st in individual standings.

The Falcons return to action Tuesday, March 5 as they complete the final two rounds in the tournament.