WAYNESVILLE, NC - Francis Marion University sophomore Josh Dugard fired an even-par 70 in his first action as a Patriot and FMU is tied for ninth place after Sunday's (Sept. 15) opening 18 holes at the JT Poston Invitational Golf Tournament.

The three-day 54-hole event is hosted by Western Carolina University and being played at the par-70, 6,720-yard Waynesville Inn & Golf Club.  FMU golfers will tee off on Monday for the second round between 10:12 and 11 a.m. starting on the 10th hole.

Francis Marion registered a 287 team, same as Georgia State University.  Lipscomb University sits atop the team standings with a 274 tally with Eastern Kentucky University (278) and Coastal Carolina University (279) rounding out the Top 3.

Dugard is tied for 16th position in the players' standings.  Other Francis Marion golfers include junior and Florence native Landen Seiffert tied for 25th with a 71 scorecard, fifth-year senior Xavier Schwarz and freshman Leander Neuhaus both tied for 49th with 73 scores, and sophomore Ryan Bozard (75) tied for 71st.  FMU sophomore Simon DiMaggio is playing as an individual and is tied for 79th position after shooting a 76.