Friday, October 08, 2004

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2004) - Sophomore Rhys Davies (Bridgend, Wales) fired a career best 5-under-par 67 to power the East Tennessee State University men's golf team on the first day of play in the Franklin Street Partners Invitational Friday at the par-72 UNC Finley Golf Course.

Davies' efforts placed him one stroke behind current individual leader Adam Howell of East Carolina, who posted a 6-under 66. As a team, the Bucs fired a 293 during the first round and are currently in sixth place, 10 strokes behind front-running Virginia, which posted a first-round score of 5-under 283. Following Virginia on the team leaderboard were Georgia Southern (285), North Carolina (288), Charlotte (289) and Tulsa (290).

Along with Davies, fellow sophomore Stephen Arnold (Langhorne, Pa.) also fired a career best with an even-par 72 and is currently tied for 13^th. Other ETSU results included freshman Cian McNamara (Limerick, Ireland), who finished tied for 29^th, senior Cennydd Mills (Cardiff, Wales), who tied for 38^th, and freshman Gareth Shaw (Lisburn, Northern Ireland), who is currently 45^th.

Second round play will continue Saturday, with the third and final round scheduled for Sunday. For complete results, see the accompanying scoresheets.