Huntingdon men one stroke off the lead in Royal Lakes Invitational

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Four golfers shot 73 or better to lead the Huntingdon men in the first round of the Royal Lakes Invitational on Monday.

Seniors Jamey Lester and Rodes Bowers both shot 1-over-par 72 and juniors Steven Smith and Tyler McLelland each shot 2-over 73 to lead the Hawks to a first-round score of 290. The Hawks are one stroke out of first entering Tuesday's final round at the Royal Lakes Golf Club.

LaGrange leads the 16-team field at 289. Averett University is third at 291 and Berry College is fourth at 292. In addition to USA South rivals LaGrange and Averett, the field also includes conference foes Greensboro (in sixth at 301), Ferrum (tied for seventh at 304) and Maryville (16th at 321).

Centre College's Tyler O'Daniel turned in Monday's low round with a 3-under 68. Three golfers are tied for second at 70 and two are tied for fifth at 71. Huntingdon's Lester and Bowers are tied for seventh and Smith and McLelland are tied for 12th.

Huntingdon senior Griffin Just shot 79 in the opening round and freshman Will Thrash, playing as an individual, shot 78.

For full results, click on the Results link here or at the top of the page.