Team Standings | Individual Results

WETHERSFIELD, Conn. - Sophomore Luke Stennett dominated the course Monday, shooting a 7-under 64 in the opening round of the Ryan T. Lee Memorial Collegiate. He was one of three Rams among the top seven individuals, as senior Aidan O'Donovan (2-under) finished the opening round tied for third place and junior Josiah Tong shot even par and land in a tie for seventh place.

As a team, the Rams are 4-under par and four strokes ahead of second-place Iona heading into Tuesday's final round. Rhody (280) and Iona (284) are trailed by Siena (288), LIU (289) and Sacred Heart (290) in the top five of the 15-team tournament.

"We had to start out first when it was coldest and the rough was soaking wet, but we played our best golf and were four under after four. And that is just where we finished, four under," Rhode Island head coach Gregg Burke said.

Stennett's spectacular day featured five birdies, one eagle and zero bogeys. He had three straight birdies from holes 3-5. His eagle was on the par-4 10th, the lone eagle on the hole for the day. Only six players in the 75-player field managed a birdie on 10.

O'Donovan had a strong front nine, carding two birds without any bogeys. The captain provided a strong top of the lineup presence. Tong was steady throughout, providing three birdies and three bogeys on the day.

"Luke had a clean card which is what we strive for. He is playing very well and could have gone much lower," Burke said. "We got a great day out of Aidan who had just two bogies. Josiah was solid, making just three bogies."

Sophomore Tyler Bruneau and junior Tony Liu were both tied for 48th overall at 5-over par.

"We needed more from Tyler and Tony, but I am confident they will both play much better tomorrow. As a team we made just three birdies on par fives and had three bogies. We need to correct that in a hurry."
With a single round Tuesday, the Rams will look for their second title in as many events. Rhode Island is also the defending champion in the Ryan T. Lee Memorial.

"There are at least four teams behind us who could catch us unless we play very good golf," Burke said. "Tomorrow will be a gut-check day."

Ryan T. Lee Memorial Collegiate
Team Standings (Day One)
1. Rhode Island - 280
2. Iona - 284
3. Siena - 288
4. LIU - 289
5. Sacred Heart - 290
6. Fairfield - 291
7. Providence - 292
8. Villanova - 294
9. Fordham - 296
10. Army - 298
11. Bryant - 300
12. Holy Cross - 301
13. Manhattan - 304
14. Brown - 308
15. Eastern Connecticut State - 312