HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. – The Gustavus Adolphus College men's golf team is competing in the NCAA Division III Fall Preview this week at the Mission Inn Resort. After round one, the Gusties currently stand in eighth place out of the field of 24 of the best DIII golf teams in the nation.

"After a slow start going seven over par on our first five holes, the guys put it into a new gear and shot six under par over the last 12 holes," said assistant coach Randall Stuckey. "They put in a fantastic effort and finished like they are able to do. Today they put us in a good position to stay ahead of several nationally ranked teams. Looking forward to the next two days of golf hoping we keep it in the new gear."

Jimmy Abdo led the Gusties in the opening round, shooting -1 to tie for 12th overall out of the field of 120 golfers. Blake Forrest followed in a tie for 22nd place by shooting for par. Wyatt Carlson shot +3 to tie for 29th overall. Sam LaFrenze and Chris Gutuza followed one stroke later at +4, tying for 62nd overall.

"I felt pretty steady today for the most part," said Abdo. "It was nice to bounce back the way I did after a rough start. I put myself in a good position to do some damage for the last 36 holes and hopefully I can make a few more putts."

Up next for the Gusties is round two of the NCAA Division III Fall Preview on Monday, September 22.