Huntingdon in 2nd after Rd. 1 of USA South Tournament

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – The Huntingdon men's golf team shot a 17-over-par 305 on Friday in the opening round of the USA South Athletic Conference Tournament at Benvenue Country Club.

Despite the rough start, the seventh-ranked Hawks are 14 strokes out of first and in second place entering Saturday's second round. Defending national champion Methodist leads the tournament at 3-over 291 and Greensboro College is third at 315.

Friday's 305 was the first time the Hawks have shot above 300 this spring and the second highest round of the spring and fall.

"This was a tough day and we played awful. I feel fortunate that we are only 14 strokes back," Huntingdon Director of Golf Dave Schreyer said. "We have to be tougher than we were today. We need to come back on Saturday and just chip away at the lead and get in position for the final round on Sunday."

Junior Will Thrash led Huntingdon with a 2-under 70 in the first round. Thrash is two strokes off the lead and in second entering Saturday's round. Methodist's Jackson Collier leads the field with a 4-under 68.

"Will was our saving round today," Schreyer said. "He has seen how hard this course can play and he was prepared for its challenges"

Junior Addison Lambeth and senior David James each shot 6-over 78 and are tied for 13th. Junior Chad Ring shot 79 and is tied for 17th and freshman Stephen Shephard shot 80 and is tied for 20th.