BREWSTER, Mass. -- Bentley University will enter Tuesday's final round of the 76th annual New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Championships tied for third among Division II teams and tied for 15th overall in a field of 37.

Playing at the Captains Golf Course, Bentley posted a 317 during Monday's action and is tied with Saint Anselm College in the team standings. The only Division II programs in front of coach Mickey Herron's squad are American International and Post University, at 303 and 315, respectively.

Bentley's number one golfer over the tourney's first 18 holes was junior Richie Powers (Leominster/Leominster HS). He shot a four-over 76 to tie for 16th overall in a field of 182. Only two Division II players had a better opening round, AIC's Greg Strattner (74) and Garrett Beyor (75).

Next on the list of Bentley players were senior captain Alex Macielak (Saratoga Springs, N.Y./ Saratoga Springs HS) and sophomore Matt Michel (Danvers/Danvers HS). They are among 12 players tied for 65th following an opening round 80.

Overall, the University of Rhode Island sits atop the team standings with its score of 297 three strokes better than both Central Connecticut and the University of Connecticut. John Kelly of URI and Brian Hughes of UConn share the individual lead at one-under 71.

NEW ENGLAND INTERCOLLEGIATE GOLF ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIPS

At Captains Golf Course, Brewster

Day 1 of 2

Team Standings: 1. Rhode Island 297; 2. Central Conn 300; 2. Connecticut 300; 4. Holy Cross 302; 5. American International 303; 6. Husson 308; 7. Trinity 309; 8. Salem State 311; 9. Bryant 313; 9. Babson 313; 11. Johnson & Wales 314; 12. Post 315; 12. Castleton State 315; 14. Fairfield 316. 15. Bentley 317; 15. Saint Anselm 317; 17. Nichols 321; 18. UMass-Dartmouth 322; 19. Springfield 324; 20. UMass-Lowell 325; 21. Franklin Pierce 326; 22. Worcester State 327; 23. Providence 328; 23. Assumption 328; 25. Brandeis 329; 26. St. Michael's 333; 27. Rhode Island College 334; 28. Endicott 336; 28. Tufts 336; 28. Massachusetts Coll. 336; 31. Southern New Hampshire 340; 31. Western New England 340; 33. Bates 348; 34. St. Joseph's, Maine 353; 35. Southern Maine 359; 36. Suffolk 372; 37. Wentworth 390.

Top Individuals: 1. John Kelly, URI, 71; 1. Brian Hughes, UConn, 71; 3. Kevin Josephson, Central Conn, 72; 3. Colin Andrade, Holy Cross, 72; 5. Joseph Macaluso, Fairfield, 73; 5. Branden Chicorka, URI, 73.

Bentley Scores: t-16. Richie Powers, 76; t-65. Matt Michel, 80; t-65. Alex Macielak, 80; t-77. Nick Clarke, 81; t-143. Nick Mini, 87.