Oct. 18, 2010

Complete Release in PDF Format

BREWSTER, Mass. -- John Kelly is tied for the lead after the first round of the 76th Annual New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA) Championship.

The senior fired a 1-under par round of 71, tying him with Connecticut's Brian Hughes. Teammate Branden Chicorka sits in a tie for fifth place, two strokes behind, with a 1-over 73.

Both Kelly and Chicorka closed their opening rounds strong, with a 34 on the back nine at The Captain's Golf Course (par 72, 6,610 yards).

Their solid play helped Rhode Island to the top of the team leaderboard. The Rams totaled 297 - three shots ahead of UConn and Central Connecticut.

Taylor Fontaine - coming off a third place finish at this past weekend's The Classic at Shelter Harbor - is tied for 10th place, with a first-day round of 75.

Andrew Fiorenzano, making his URI team debut, sits in 39th place with an opening round 78. Patrick Pelletier sits one stroke behind (79), tied for 54th place.

The NEIGA was first organized in 1934 at the Oakley Country Club in Watertown, Massachusetts. With the exception of the World War II years of 1941-45, it has maintained both individual and team championships annually. It is believed to be the largest gathering of collegiate players from NCAA Divisions I, II and III competing at the same location on a 36-hole layout.

There are currently 44 New England colleges and universities as members and 37 will participate in the 2010 fall championship.