May 4, 2007

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - The St. Bonaventure golf team sits in third place after firing a one-under par 287 in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championships on Friday at the Orange County National Golf Club.

Charlotte's four-man score of 275 (13-under) leads the way, while Xavier is just four strokes behind at 279.

Senior Ben Howe conquered the par-72, 6,849-yard Panther Lake Course with a three-under par 69. Howe carded a 33 on the front nine and a 36 on the back to finish with the day's fifth best round. Junior Ryan Swanson sits in a tie for seventh individually with a two-under 70, highlighted by a 34 on the back nine. Junior Andy Whalen and freshman Nathan Peck both carded 74's to round out the Bonaventure scoring.

The Bonnies made their move on the course's par 5 holes, finishing the day at four-under par. St. Bonaventure recorded 17 birdies on the day - the second highest team total in the first round.

The second round of the 54-hole A-10 Championship will begin with an 8 a.m. shotgun start on Saturday.