PISCATAWAY, N.J. ? A steady rain didn't seem to bother the Tigers who are off to an outstanding start and challenging for a team title after the first round in the Rutgers Men's Invitational Golf Tournament at the par-71, 6,337-yard Rutgers University Golf Course.

            Led by junior Chris Scialo whose 3-under par and career low 68 paced Towson to a tie for third, the Tigers are six strokes off the team lead held by USC Upstate. Scialo is tied for first atop the leader board with USC-Upstate's Michael Lawrence and Bryant's Scott Congdon.

            Towson junior Josh Jenkins is tied for seventh with a 1-under par 70. Sophomore Pat Hinch carded a 72 followed by freshman Mac DeFries with a 77 and senior Brent Davis with a 79.

            Defending champion USC-Upstate (281) has a three-stroke lead over second place Bryant (284). The Tigers are tied with Binghamton at 287 for third. Play in the 36-hole, 24-team tournament resumes Saturday morning.

            The Tigers: T1 Chris Scialo (33-35-68), T7 Josh Jenkins (36-34-70), T17 Pat Hinch (37-35-72), T68 Mac DeFries (34-40-77), T90 Brent Davis (40-39-79).

Results: http://scarletknights.com/golf-men/stats/2008/invite-1.pdf