WAHIAWA--The University of Hawai`i men's golf team got off to a disappointing start after shooting a nine-over par 297 in the first round of the John Burns Intercollegiate to end the day in a tie for 20th place.

Senior Matt Kodama and freshman Pierre-Henri Soero, who is competing for the UH-B team, led the Warriors through the first day as they shot two-under par 70s, which tied them for 23rd place. Also golfing for Hawai`i's "A" team are freshman Geoffrey Stevens (74, T 71), junior Manarii Gauthier (75, T 89), senior James Beston (78, T 110), and junior Kellen-Floyd Asao (83, T 115).

The UH "B" team is sitting in 22nd place after round one with a score of 301. Besides Soero, other golfers competing on the "B" team are sophomore Jordan Belton (76, T 101), freshman golfers Cody Wolfenbarger (77, T 105) and Scot Miller (78, T 110), and junior Ben Douglas (82, 114). UH junior golfer Adam Walker is competing as an individual and finished round one with a three-over par 75, which tied him for 89th.

The University of New Mexico stands alone in first place after day one with an eight-under par 276. They are closely followed by Utah, who has 278, and BYU with 279. Colorado State's Nolan Martin, New Mexico's Spencer Levin, California's Peter Tomasulo, UTEP's Dan Floyd, and UC Santa Barbara's Michael Feuerstein are all tied for first place after shooting 5-under par 67s.

Action resumes tomorrow, Feb. 19, at 7:30 a.m. on the 6,917 yard Leilehua Golf Course.

Team Score (Place)
Hawai`i (A) 297 (20th)

Individual Score (Place)
Matt Kodama 70(T23)
Geoffrey Stevens 74 (T71)
Manarii Gauthier 75 (T89)
James Beston 78 (T110)
Kellen-Floyd Asao 83 (T115)

Team Score (Place)
Hawai`i (B) 301 (22nd)

Individual Score (Place)
Pierre-Henri Soero 70 (T23)
Adam Walker* 75 (T98)
Jordan Belton 76 (T101)
Cody Wolfenbarger 77 (T105)
Scot Miller 78 (T110)
Ben Douglas 82 (114)

* competing as individual