MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. (May 21, 2018) – The no. 8 regionally-ranked Franklin Pierce University men's golf team participated in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Division II Men's Golf National Championship Monday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals.

The Ravens ended round one at 315 (+27) and trail West Florida University (279, -9) the clubhouse leaders by 36 strokes. FPU struggled out of the gate but turned it on late on the back nine.

HEAR COACH TYLER BISHOP'S THOUGHTS FOLLOWING THE FIRST ROUND

Franklin Pierce was led by a duo of underclassmen. Sophomore Keeton Foster (Spofford, N.H.) and freshman Dylan Plis (Camillus, N.Y.) each shot five over par with 77 showings. Foster played well on the back nine today going only one over at 37 (+1). He also recorded three total birdies. Plis was even after nine holes putting an eagle on seven and a birdie on eight.

Liam Donohue (Vernon, Conn.) punched home two birdies on the back nine to finish at 80 (+8). Donohue was two over after heading out to the final holes. Sam Myers (Colchester, Vt.) added an 81 (+9) and was only plus one stroke on the back nine while Taylor Simpson (Londonderry, N.H.) gained some momentum late with two birdies on 17 and 18.  

Simpson and the Ravens will tee off from the 10th tee box tomorrow at 8:26 a.m. central time.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce golf apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store). You can also follow the golf programs on Twitter (https://twitter.com/FPU_GOLF).