May 5, 2006

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - Saint Louis is in 10th place after the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championship at Orange County National Golf Club. Senior Barry O'Neill leads the Billikens, who shot 302 on Friday, with a share of 20th place after his first-round 72. He is four strokes off the leaders heading into Saturday's action.

Behind O'Neill, junior Ryan Blechle shot a 33 on the front nine but struggled on the back with a 41 to post a 74 and hold a 28th place. Senior David Perritt carded a 76 to stand in 40th place after shooting 35 on the front and 41 on the back nine. Senior John Campbell's 80 puts him in 44th place, while freshman Collin Piercy battled to an 84 to sit in 62nd place overall.

Xavier leads the tournament by five strokes over nationally-ranked Charlotte. The Musketeers carded four scores under par, including Andy Poe's 68, which is tied for the day-one lead. The Billikens' 302 on Friday is one stroke behind Fordham and seven back from Dayton.

Play continues on Saturday with 18 holes followed by a final round on Sunday.