Cranston, RI --- Senior TJ Magnell (Leominster, MA) is just two strokes off the lead in a six-way tie for third place as he carded a first-round score of 76 (+5) to help lead Worcester State to an 11th place finish after the opening round at the two-day Johnson and Wales Wildcat Invitational at the par 71 Cranston Country Club.

In the top spot after the first day is junior Nick Zolotas (Peabody, MA) of Salem State who shot a 74 (+3) followed by senior Steve LaDonne's (Rehoboth, MA) score of 75 (+4) of Johnson and Wales.

As a team the squad is only 11 strokes off of leader UMass Dartmouth who tallied 311 after the opening round. The Lancers are three off of 10th place RIC's total of 330.

Sophomore Chris Ellis (Charlton, MA/St. Peter-Marian) tied for 30th (81, +10) as senior Chris Brunelle (Worcester, MA/Holy Name) and newcomer Troy Johnson (Worcester, MA) both tied for 70th (88, +14).

Senior Mike Horan (Billerica, MA) rounded out the group tied for 83rd (91, +20) in the 90+ man field.

Worcester State looks to regroup and improve their standings tomorrow. You can check out the Lancers teeing off live at this video feed, live from Cranston, RI.