MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – After one day of action at the Duke Nelson Invitational, the Castleton University men's golf team is in a tie for 18th place in the 24-team field.
 
The Spartans fired a team score of 324 to open the tournament, tying with Clarkson University. Host Middlebury leads after posting a 293 at their par-71 home, Ralph Mhyre Golf Course. St. Lawrence is in second at 299.
 
Nick Ojala is tied for 29th individually after a six-over par 77, followed by Jason Ryan at 10-over 81 and Brady Hathorn 11-over 82. Brandon Picard shot 84 and Andrew Stefura rounded out the lineup with a 93.
 
Four players are tied for the top spot after shooting even par 71.
 
Play resumes tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Ralph Mhyre Golf Course.