ORLANDO, Fla. — Anthony Garcia and Nikita Romanov of the La Salle men's golf team played well enough to finish in the top 30 after the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championship on Friday at Reunion Resort & Golf Club's par-72 Nicklaus Course.   

 

Garcia led the Explorers through the first 18 holes, as he shot a 1-over-par 73 to finish the day tied for 96th. The freshman shot even-par 36 on the front nine, then concluded his round with a 1-over 37 on the front nine to end five shots off the lead.  

 

Romanov followed Garcia with a 3-over 75 to wind up in a tie for 29th. The senior opened the round with a 1-under 35 on the front nine, but finished with a 4-over 40 on the back nine.  

 

Kevin Lydon posted the third-best score for the Explorers, as he shot a 4-over 76 to end the day tied for 37th. The freshman started the round with a 3-over 39 on the front nine, but closed it with a 1-over 37 on the back nine. 

 

Senior Karsen Rush and sophomore Alex Gekas rounded out La Salle's lineup with a pair of 11-over 83s. Rush shot a 6-over 42 on the front nine, then carded a 5-over 41 on the back nine for his 83. As for Gekas, he shot an 8-over 44 on the front, but rebounded with a 3-over 39 on the back nine. 

 

The Explorers currently sit 11th in the team standings after combining for a total score of 307 (+19). The second round of the tournament begins Saturday at 7:30 a.m.