FARMINGDALE, NY -- University of Delaware junior Jeff Griest (at right) shot an even par 36-34=70 to lead the individual standings as he paced the Blue Hens to a first place finish following the first day of the Hofstra Invitational being held at Bethpage State Park Golf Course.

The Blue Hens currently lead the 14-team field after shooting a team score of 298, ahead of Bucknell at 300, Siena at 301, Laval at 306, and Hofstra at 308. Griest was the only player to shoot par on the par 70, 6,766-yard Red Course at Bethpage. Nico Mizono of Fordham is in second place after shooting 34-37=71, while Rahul Desai of Bucknell (36-36=72) and Dan Abbondandolo of Siena (38-34=72) are each two shots behind Griest.

Freshman Kevin McLister is tied for sixth place after shooting a five over par 37-38=75, while senior Britt Murdoch shot 39-37=76, six over par, to finish in a tie for 10th place. Freshman Colin Smith is tied for 20th place after he shot a seven over par 37-40=77, while sophomore Jason Bernstein shot 38-40=78, eight over par, to finish in a tie for 28th place.

The invitational concludes Saturday with the second round at Bethpage.

AGATE

Hofstra Invitational - Day One Results: 1. Delaware - 298, 2. Bucknell - 300, 3. Siena - 301, 4. Laval - 306, 5. Hofstra - 306, 6. Fordham - 309, 7. Duquesne - 311, 8. St. Peter’s - 313, 9. Manhattan - 314, 10. Nassau CC - 316, 11. Quinnipiac - 318, 12. Fairleigh Dickinson - 319, 13. Wagner - 335, 14. St. Francis (NY) - 349.

Top Individuals: 1. Jeff Griest (Delaware), 36-34=70; 2. Nico Mizono (Fordham), 34-37=71; T3. Rahul Desai (Bucknell), 36-36=72; T3. Dan Abbondandolo (Siena), 38-34=72; 5. Brian Poe (Bucknell), 36-38=74; T6. Stuart Lindgren (Bucknell), 37-38=75; T6. David Newman (Fordham), 39-36=75; T6. Don Denyse (Siena), 37-38=75; T6. Kevin McLister (Delaware), 37-38=75.

Other Delaware Finishers: T10. Britt Murdoch, 39-37=76; T20. Colin Smith, 37-40=77; T28. Jason Bernstein, 38-40=78.