ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Sophomore Alex Ellis led the College of Charleston men's golf team with an even-par 72 as the Cougars opened play at the Pat Hicks Thunderbird Invitational, hosted by Southern Utah.

The Cougars, playing in their first tournament of the spring season are in fifth-place after a team score of 292 and eight shots back of leader Southern Utah.

Junior John Duke Hudson and sophomore Parker Allen shot round of 1-over 73 and senior Henry Smart shot 74. Freshman Shane Rogan, playing in his first tournament of his collegiate career shot 76.

"We didn't play as well as I wanted us to play today, but we shook off the rust and are in a good position to make a run tomorrow," Head Coach Mark McEntire said.

The Cougars will tee off in a shot gun start at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow.

CofC Individual Results

T11                                Alex Ellis - 72 (E)

T15                                John Duke Hudson - 73 (+1)

T15                                Parker Allen - 73 (+1)

T28                                Henry Smart - 74 (+2)

T45                                Shane Rogan - 76 (+4)

Team Results

1 Southern Utah Univ. 284

2 CSU-Fullerton 288

3 Cal Poly 290

4 Oral Roberts Univ. 291

5 Charleston, Coll. of 292

6 CSU-Northridge 297

7 Utah State Univ. 298

8 Western Illinois U. 299

9 Weber State Univ. 301

10 Dixie State (Utah) 302

11 Seattle University 306

12 Utah Valley Univ. 307

13 CSU-Bakersfield 308

14 Boise State Univ. 309