April 20, 2002

WEST POINT, N.Y. (www.lafayette.edu) - The Lafayette golf team opened the 2002 Patriot League Championships with a team score of 321, ending the first round of competition at the par-70, 6,036-yard West Point Golf Club in seventh place.

Freshman Jeremiah O'Neill paced the Leopards with a 77 and is currently tied for 22nd place in the individual competition. Sophomore Brad Rock and freshman Bill Broomall each fired an 81 and are tied for 34th place, while freshman Jason Seidman is tied for 37th after shooting 82, and freshmen Josh Shepard and Sean McMonagle both sit in a tie for 43rd place after carding 84.

Host Army holds a 14-stroke lead on first place after having three individuals shoot under par in the opening round to record a team total of 271. Navy is in second at 285, while Lehigh is third at 298.

Individually, Army has three of the top five scores after round one. Kevin Lee fired a five-under 65 and holds a one-stroke lead over teammate Ryan Hazelton. Scott Manley sits in fourth place with a 69. The only non-Army golfer to break the top three is Navy's Billy Hurley who is third with a 67. Four individuals are tied for fifth place at one-over.

The second and final day of the tournament is scheduled for tomorrow, weather permitting.