Results

URBANA, Md. - Rhode Island had three of the top eight opening-round scores as the Rams built a seven-stroke lead over the field at the Carpetbagger Classic Saturday. Fifth-year senior Bryson Richards and senior Brandon Gillis were first and third, respectively, on the individual leaderboard after the first round.

Richards fired a 3-under 69 to find himself in a tie with Farleigh Dickinson's Leon Heitz after one round of play. Gillis was just one shot behind the leaders at 2-under. Only seven players in the field of 84 golfers were under par at the Par 72 Worthington Manor Golf Club.

Freshman Aidan O'Donovan provided a big boost. The Somerville, Mass. native was even par in the first round, tying him for eighth on the leaderboard. With three strong showings, the Rams finished the opening round with a team score of 288, putting them eight strokes ahead of second-place Lehigh. Robert Morris (plus-9 297) was the only other school within 10 strokes of Rhode Island after the opening round.

Team Standings
1. Rhode Island - 288
2. Lehigh - 295
3. Robert Morris - 297
4. Navy - 299
5. Bryant - 300
6. Cornell - 302
t7. Binghamton - 303
t7. Howard - 303
9. Youngstown State - 305
10. Colgate - 306
11. Farleigh Dickinson - 307
12. Mount St. Mary's - 310
13. Wagner - 313
14. Colgate (B) - 315
15. Canisius - 317
 
Tournament Info

• Worthington Manor Golf Club - Urbana, Md.
• Par 72 (7,034 yards)
• The Field: 14 schools, 84 golfers (hosts Binghamton and Colgate)

Head Coach Gregg Burke Said...
'With the real feel temperature below freezing and the sustained winds, we felt anything near even par would be a great round of golf. But Bryson and Brandon were even better than that. Aidan gave us a terrific round but we struggled after that.

"The way Bryson and Brandon are playing we can get away with a few over from the others, but we need to tighten up the scoring. Frigid temperatures and even more wind tomorrow will be a test."

What's Next
Teams will complete play at the Carpetbagger Classic Sunday.