MATHEWS, La. – There were no signs of rust after a nearly four-month hiatus for the Louisiana Tech men's golf team as the Bulldogs held a five-stroke lead for first with an even-par 288 after the first round of the Nicholls State-hosted LaTour Intercollegiate on Saturday.
  
"Their attitudes were great today in tough conditions," head coach Matt Terry said. "They competed well all day today. I'm looking forward to seeing we get after it tomorrow."

Senior Sam Murphy led all golfers at the event with a -3 (69). Two other Bulldogs finished in the top five as senior Mac Murphy and sophomore Lake Juban tied for fifth with an even-par 72.
 
Junior James Swash (75, T-17th) and freshman Will Patrick (76, T-30th) rounded out the LA Tech scoring on day one of the event.
 
Louisiana Tech started on the back nine at the LaTour Golf Club with each Bulldog finishing holes 15 to 18 with either a birdie or at par. Three Tech golfers hit back-to-back birdies during the first round of the tournament as Juban registered birdies on holes 13 and 14, M. Murphy on holes 18 and one, and S. Murphy on holes six and seven.
 
LA Tech finished first after day one of the LaTour Intercollegiate with a combined even-par 288, followed by Jacksonville State +5 (293), UT-Rio Grande Valley +12 (300) and Eastern Kentucky +14 (302). Missouri State, Nicholls State, Samford and Houston Baptist held a four-way tie for fifth with a +15 (303).
 
Due to weather, Sunday will be the final round of the tournament where the teams will compete in an 18-hole round with a 9 a.m. (CT) tee time. Fans can also follow up-to-date scoring through live results at Golfstat.com.
 
Be sure to follow @LATechGolf on Twitter for all breaking news, in-match updates and other items of interest pertaining to the 2020-21 season.