Georgia State men's golf wrapped up the opening round of the 2010 Colonial Athletic Association championship in fourth of 11 teams, led by senior Tom Sherreard's eighth place finish with a 72 (+2) on the 6,679 yard, par 70 Cascades course at the Homestead in Hot Springs, Va.
The Panthers 296 (+16) places them 13 shots back of Towson as they hunt for an automatic berth to an NCAA Regional.
"Thought we did a lot of good things today, but I know we have some work to do to put ourselves in position where we want to be on Sunday afternoon," said Georgia State head coach Joe Inman. "I have total confidence in the team that we'll play even better tomorrow."
Sherreard sits four shots back of co-leaders John Duthie of Towson and Scott Saal of William & Mary who each posted a 68 (-2) in the first round.
The Maidstone, England is chasing his second career top-10 and fourth career top-15 in his fourth appearance at the CAA Championship.
As a team, Georgia State has fared no worse than second in four attempts at the CAA Championship.
Juniors Alan Fowler and Brent Paul both situated themselves in the top-15 at the end of 18 holes. Fowler came in one shot behind Sherreard with a 73 (+3). Paul posted a first round 74 (+4) to earn a share of 13th.
If Fowler and Paul hold steady, they could both potentially post career-best finishes at the CAA Championship. Fowler finished 17th in 2009, his conference championship debut. Paul has a pair of top-20s in two tries at the conference championship, a 17th in 2009 and a 19th in 2008.
Sophomore Jared Cagle fired an opening round 77 (+7) wrapping up the scoring for the Panthers. Cagle, in his CAA Championship debut, sits in a tie for 29th heading to the weekend.
Junior Alex Castro carded an 81 (+11) to open his tournament in 48th place overall. Castro's only other CAA Championship experience came in 2008 with a 23rd place finish as a freshman.
The last time the CAA Championship visited the Homestead, Old Dominion came away victorious in 2007 by posting an 859 (+19). The Panthers came up four shots shy of a conference title, then, posting an 863 (+23).
Tomorrow, the CAA Championship continues with the second round of three at the Homestead. Live scoring will be available at www.GolfStat.com beginning at 9 a.m. Full results and details will be posted to www.GeorgiaStateSports.com at the close of competition.
T8. Tom Sherreard 72 (+2)
T11. Alan Fowler 73 (+3)
T13. Brent Paul 74 (+4)
T29. Jared Cagle 77 (+7)
48. Alex Castro 81 (+11)
1. Towson 283 (+3)
2. VCU 290 (+10)
3. William & Mary 292 (+12)
4. Georgia State 296 (+16)
5. Delaware 301 (+21)
T6. Old Dominion 304 (+24)
T6. UNC Wilmington 304 (+24)
T6. James Madison 304 (+24)
9. George Mason 308 (+28)
10. Drexel 309 (+29)
11. Hofstra 331 (+51)
