SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Augusta University men’s golf team leads the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s Golf Championship by three strokes after the opening round on Thursday at the Crosswinds Golf Club.

The Jaguars combined to shoot a 4-under par 284 through the first 18 holes of the 54-hole tournament. The tournament continues Friday and concludes on Saturday at the 6,848-yard, par-72 course.

Augusta’s Jake Marriott and Robin Petersson shot 69s and are tied for the lead. Marriott carded one eagle and three birdies, along with 12 pars. Petersson finished with six birdies and 10 pars. Bethune-Cookman’s Leon Fricker is third after carding a 2-under par 70 during the opening round. He registered four birdies and 12 pars.

Bethune-Cookman is in second with a 1-under par 287. Florida A&M sits in third place at 11-over par 299. Savannah State (307), North Carolina Central (308), Maryland Eastern Shore (318) and Hampton (336) round out the field.

Play resumes Friday with teams teeing off at 8 a.m.

The tournament champion and medalist receives an automatic qualification to the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship. The NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Selection Show will air Thursday, May 5 at 9:30 a.m. on the Golf Channel.

For more information on the MEAC Men’s Golf Championship or other sponsored sports, visit www.meacsports.com.