LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – Senior Austin Devereux (Brielle, NJ/Manasquan) shot a one-under 71 and the Rider University men's golf team shot 294 (+6), sitting fifth after Day 1 at MAAC Championships Friday afternoon at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course. Devereux is tied for sixth, three strokes back of the individual lead, while the Broncs are 11 strokes back of team leader Iona (283, -5).

Devereux was steady all day, carding 15 pars, two birdies and a bogey. Nathan Bazant (Venetia, PA/Trinity) shot a one-over 73 with two birdies and three bogeys. Conor Bekefi (Toms River, NJ/Toms River South) and Griffin Smith (Holland, PA/Council Rock South) each shot three-over 75 to round out the scores counted for the Broncs. Smith had a team-best four birdies. However, a triple bogey and two doubles blemished his round.

Iona is a stroke ahead of Fairfield (284) in the team scoring. Monmouth (290) and Canisius (291) are ahead of the Broncs (294), with Siena (296), Niagara (298) and Manhattan (308) rounding out the team field. Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, Saint Peter's sent just three golfers to compete as individuals, but is ineligible for the team title.

QUOTES & NOTES
"We butchered the par 5's and too many big numbers set us back more than we should be."

"Solid round by Austin. We will look to move up the board tomorrow and put ourselves in position for Sunday." – Rider Head Coach Jason Barry

- Rider led the field with 62 pars on the day, but its 10 birdies were third fewest.
- The Broncs shot +1 on the Par 3's, a stroke back of Canisius for the best score on the round.
- Rider finished in the middle of the pack on both the Par 4's (+15, T-5th) and Par 5's (+1, T-6th).  
- Smith tied for the top score on the Par 3's at -1 and also played the Par 5's at -1.
- Devereux shot even par on the Par 3's and Par 5's, while playing the Par 4's at -1.   
- Devereux's 15 pars tied for the most on the day.

UP NEXT
The Broncs continue play in the MAAC Championships at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course in Lake Buena Vista, FL, in Saturday's second of three rounds.