FLORENCE, S.C. -- Justin Newton carded rounds of 71 and 70 for a two round total of 141 (-3) to lead Elon into a tie for third place after day one of the 21st Annual Raines Development Group Intercollegiate Tournament on Monday. As a team, the Phoenix posted a two-round total of 573 (-3) to tie with both South Carolina and Kennesaw State for third place. South Carolina-Aiken (558) leads the tournament followed by host Francis Marion (569). USCA and Francis Marion have combined to win the last three NCAA Division II Men's Golf National Championships.

Newton's 141 places him in a tie for seventh individually. Bennett Smith finished the day at -1, posting rounds of 69-74--143 to sit in a 16th-place tie. Louis Rittberger shot an even par over the two rounds with scores of 71-73--144 and is tied for 24th. Jimmy Lytle (71-74--145) is tied for 27th and Lance Johnson (72-78--150) is in a tie for 51st.

USCA's Scott Brown leads the 75-golfer field at -7 with rounds of 70-67--137.

The Phoenix leads Davidson (580), Jacksonville (583), Charleston Southern (585), Old Dominion (585), Western Carolina (589), Liberty (591), Georgia College and State (598), William & Mary (599) and Gardner-Webb (600).

The final round will be played at The Country Club of South Carolina in Florence on Tuesday.

-- ELON --