The St. Thomas Aquinas golf team completed the first round of the NCAA Division II golf regional, finishing in first place, despite the poor weather conditions and rain delays.  The Spartans sit among the top of the pack, with a team score of 306.

STAC holds a one stroke lead over Concordia College and a four stroke lead over the fifth place and host team, Le Moyne College.  The second through fifth place teams are all separated by a one stroke difference.

Brendan Hunter led the way for the Spartans shooting a round of even par, 72.  Hunter completed round one, tied for first place along with John Clare from Le Moyne.  Hunter shot even on both nines with three birdies for his round.  

Chris Gentle is currently among the top 15 finishers having shot a 77 in his opening round. Michael Miranda and Kevin Gately shot opening rounds of 78 and 79 respectively.  

The Spartans are set to tee off at noon on Tuesday for their second round.  The top five teams and the top two student-athletes not with a team from each regional (regardless of region) will advance to the finals, May 17-21, at Green Valley Ranch in Denver, Colorado as part of the 2016 Division II National Championships Festival. The finals will be hosted by Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Click here for today's results.