BOYLSTON, Mass. – Following the first day of play in the Northeast-10 Conference Golf Championships, the Bentley University Falcons are in second place, three strokes back of Franklin Pierce University. The Falcons, in search of their first conference title since 2007, turned in a 304 Sunday at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club.

Bentley was led by senior Richie Powers (Leominster/Leominster HS) and junior Matt Michel (Danvers/Danvers HS), both of whom are tied for sixth place after carding three-over 75s. Powers had a 36 on the back nine, and Michel posted 38-37, making it seven straight rounds that he has been under 77.

Sophomore Harry Kirkpatrick (Lancaster/Nashoba Reg. HS) also had a strong day for the Falcons, with his 38-38-76 good for a tie for eighth place. Senior Nick Clarke (Plymouth/Cape Cod Academy) rounded out Bentley's top four and finished the opening day tied for 20th (40-38-78).

Franklin Pierce, which has never won the conference tournament, saw all five of its golfers shoot 77 or better. Two-time defending champion Adelphi University is in third place, nine strokes off the pace.

The individual leader at the tournament's midpoint is Adelphi's Lovis Kelly, who fired a two-under 70 and holds a three-stroke lead over teammate Aaron Burton.

Bentley and Franklin Pierce have played in one common tournament this season, the Northeast Intercollegiates two weeks ago.  In that one, the Falcons finished ten strokes in front of the Ravens.

The tournament will conclude on Monday.

NORTHEAST-10 CONFERENCE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

At Cyprian Keyes GC, Boylston

Day 1 of 2

Team Standings: 1. Franklin Pierce 301, 2. Bentley 304, 3. Adelphi 309, 4. Saint Anselm 312, 5. American International 314, 6. UMass-Lowell 317, 7. Saint Rose 218, 7. Southern New Hampshire 318, 9.St. Michael's 323, 10. Pace 326, 11. Assumption 331, 12. Le Moyne 333.

Top Individuals: 1. Lovis Kelly, Adelphi, 37-33-70; 2. Aaron Burton, Adelphi, 35-38-73; 3. William Powers, Franklin Pierce, 37-37-74; 3. CJ Konkowski, 36-38-74; 3. Kevin Daniels, AIC, 39-35-74.

Bentley Scores: t-6. Richie Powers 39-36-75; t-6. Matt Michel 38-37-75; t-8. Harry Kirkpatrick 38-38-76; t-20. Nick Clarke 40-38-78; t-40. Dan McQueen 43-40-83.