PALM CITY, Fla. -- South Dakota sophomore Ben Hicks fired off a season-low round of 67 to sit tied for fifth place to lead the Coyotes after the first round on Friday. As a team, USD shot 279 after one round of play and sits in sixth place at the UNCG Martin Downs Collegiate.
 
The Coyotes are one of two Summit League schools competing in the event alongside Purdue Fort Wayne. Host UNC Greensboro leads the tournament after the first day with a score of 270 which is six strokes ahead of second place James Madison at 276. UNCG's Jonathan Brightwell (62) holds a four stroke lead over Elon's Graham Hutchinson on the player leaderboard.
 
In addition to Hicks, Tate Arends had a strong first day showing of 69 which tied him for 20^th place. Justin Kolb tied for 34^th place with a score of 71 while Matt Tolan and Scott Fudenberg are tied for 44^th place after each shooting a 72.
 
Hunter Paugh competed as an individual and finished with a 76 after the first day of play in Florida.
 
South Dakota will return to action tomorrow morning for day two of the UNCG Martins Downs Collegiate. The third and final round of the Collegiate will be on Sunday.