The Fairfield University men’s golf team opened play at the 73rd Annual NEIGA Championship in 14th place, with a team total 315.  The event is being played at the par-72 Port Captains/Starboard, playing 6,600 yards, in Brewster, Mass.

The Stags are being led by Kevin Fitzpatrick who shot a 38 on the back nine, to finish at 77, +5, and in a tie for 35th place.  Rob Tarallo started slowly, shooting 43 on the front side, but played well on the back, shooting a 35, the best score of any player on the back for the tournament.  He is tied for 54th with a +6, 78, entering the second round.

R.J. Zielinski and Nick Gliozzo are next for the Stags, part of a 14-way tie for 85th place, with first round 80’s, +8.  Zielinski shot 42-38, while Gliozzo was even throughout the round, 40-40.  William Onstott rounded out the Stags effort with an 81, +9, shooting 41-40, in a tie for 99th place.

The University of Connecticut leads the way with a first-day 300, +12, as a team.  Brian Cawley is the individual leader with a first round 70, minus-two.  There are 42 teams competing with 211 golfers starting the first round.

The two-day event, the last of the fall schedule for the Stags, will be completed on Tuesday.