RICHMOND, Va. - The Bridgewater College men's golf team played an excellent first round at the VSGA State Intercollegiate, shooting 296 to sit seven strokes off the lead.

The Eagles are tied for fourth place with Christopher Newport, and just one shot behind Washington & Lee. Virginia Wesleyan (289) tops a crowded team leaderboard, with Lynchburg (292) in second place.

Three of the team's seniors all carded a team-best score of 73- Luke Hill, Ocean Armstrong and Jake Norby. That is good for a tie for 14th place overall.

Rookie Jason Spaar shot a 77 and is tied for 45th place. Jeremy Pannebaker carded a 78.

"This was a great effort top to bottom for the Eagles, and it puts the guys in a position to contend for this Virginia State title," said head coach John Rogers.

Play will conclude tomorrow and most teams there will believe they can make a serious run, with just 11 strokes separating 3rd and 15th place in the standings.