Brewster, MA --- Senior Bob Bruso (Auburn, MA) fired a first-round score of 76 (+4) to tie for 16th place as he helped lead the Worcester State men's golf team to tie for 22nd out of 37 teams at the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA) Championships this afternoon at Captains par 72 golf course.

The Lancers shot a composite score of 330 (+39) for the 10th best Division IIII finish on the opening day of the two-round tournament.

Overall, URI (297; +9) has a three stroke lead on Central Connecticut (300; +12) as Husson (308; +20) has a one stroke lead on Trinity (309; +21) among DIII schools. Nichols is in 17th with a score of 321 (+33). Senior John Kelly (E. Longmeadow, MA) of the Rams is tied for first with sophomore Brian Hughes (Fairfield, CT) of UConn at -1 after they each shot a 71 while fourth-year Jay Driscroll (Milton, MA) added a 74 for the best DIII finish in a tie for 7th.

Bruso is one of 14 individuals to equal the score of 76 while nine other Division III competators have the fourth-best finish. Bruso looks to finish inside the top five to vie for his third-straight All-New England team honor. Last season Bruso was in second place overall after the opening round.

Senior TJ Magnell (Leominster, MA) continues his solid campaign with an 80 (+8) to tie for 65th as fourth-year Chris Brunelle (Worcester, MA/Holy Name) carded an 85 (+13; T112st) and sophomore Chris Ellis (Charlton, MA/St. Peter-Marian) was one stroke off with an 86 (+14; 131). Senior Dave Urella (Worcester, MA/Burncoat) rounded out the group to notch a 93 (+21) in a tie for 171st.

Check out the website tomorrow evening to find out how the Lancers fared on the second and final day of the NEIGA Championships.