ORLANDO, Fla. – The Bulldogs opened up Atlantic Sun Conference Championship play at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Florida on Monday. The Bulldogs were led by freshman Blake Palmer who shot a first round 72, one under par, placing him in a tie for 13th after day one.

The Bulldogs played well on Monday, as the ‘Dogs had 59 pars en route to a team score of 300, +8 for the first round of the three day competition putting Gardner-Webb in ninth place. The ‘Dogs will look to climb up in the team standings as the next two days of competition unfolds.

Sophomore Geordie Hagerman turned in a first round score of 75, +2, while juniors Casey Flattery and Joshua Philbeck followed close behind with scores of 76 and 77, respectively.

Freshman Ryan Bell finished the day with a 78, +5, placing him in a tie at 45th place going into day two.

East Tennessee State carded a team score of 283, nine strokes under par to grab the team lead after the first day of competition.

Play will resume tomorrow with the first group teeing off at 7:40 am.

Atlantic Sun Conference Results –Day One
1. East Tennessee St. 283

2. North Florida, U. of 285

3. Jacksonville Univ. 286

4. Mercer University 289

Campbell University 289

6. Belmont University 291

7. Florida Atlantic U. 297

8. Stetson University 299

9. Gardner-Webb U. 300

10. Lipscomb Univ. 308

Bulldogs Scores for Round One

T13 - Blake Palmer 72 (-1)

T28 - Geordie Hagerman 75 (+2)

T36 - Casey Flattery 76 (+3)

T39 - Joshua Philbeck 77 (+4)

T45 - Ryan Bell 78 (+5)