Bulldogs tied for third entering final round of Coca-Cola Lehigh Valley Invite

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Behind top-10 rounds from sophomore Ryan Brown (Bedford, N.H.) and senior McKinley Slade (Saunderstown, R.I.), the Bryant University golf team sits tied for third after the first round of the Coca-Cola Lehigh Valley Invite.

As a team, the Bulldogs carded a 298 in Sunday's first round and are tied with Hofstra in third, just three strokes behind leader UConn. Brown and Slade sit tied for 10th on the individual circuit after carding day-one 74s.

Brown's two-over score was aided by a quintet of birdies, while Slade carded four of his own during Sunday's round. Seniors John Roberts (West Hartford, Conn.) and Ryan Tombs (Bedford, N.H.) each recorded 75s to tie for 20th overall, while rookie Will Del Biaggio (San Jose, Calif.) is one more stroke back (76) to tie for 76th. Highlighting Del Biaggio's score was the Bulldogs' only eagle of the day and one of seven on the round.

Playing as individuals, junior Gabriel Van Ness (Clinton, Conn.) ranks tied for 54th in the 108-golfer field with a first lap 79, with frosh Matthew Stafford (Suffield, Conn.) posting an 81 to sit tied for 72nd.

Play resumes from Silver Creek Country Club in Hellertown, Pa., Monday. Fans can find live scoring links at bryantbulldogs.com.