Sept. 29, 2008

CLEVELAND, OHIO - The Saint Joseph's golf team is in eighth place after shooting an opening-round 297 at the Cleveland State Telich Sun Life Financial Invitational Monday at the par-72 Sand Ridge Golf Course.

The Hawks stand just 10 strokes behind current tournament leader South Dakota State (287) and just five strokes behind second place Longwood (292).

Individually, sophomore Josh Webb paced the Hawks with an even-par 72, while junior Zach Smith and freshman Jimmy Bea are tied after posting scores of 73 each. Sophomores Jim Ridgway and Patrick Devlin, both playing in their first matches of the seasons, carded scores of 79 and 80, respectively.

South Dakota State's Trent Peterson holds the first round lead after shooting 67 at the 7,215-yard course.

Round two is currently underway, with round three scheduled for Tuesday morning.