Statesboro, GA - Virginia senior men's golfer Ben Kohles kept up his outstanding play of late during Friday's first round of The Schenkel Invitational in Statesboro, Ga. Kohles shot 7-under 65 to lead the field and help the 26th-ranked Cavaliers to a fifth-place standing after the first day of competition. Kohles scorecard included seven birdies and no bogeys.

It is the second time this year Kohles has posted a round of 7-under 65. He did it in the season opener at the VCU Shootout. In two tournaments this spring, Kohles has a victory and runner-up finish. He entered The Schenkel ranked No. 31 in the nation in the latest Golfweek standings.

As a team Virginia shot 5-under 283 to open the tournament. Alabama, ranked No. 7, grabbed a huge opening round lead by shooting 20-under 268. The Crimson Tide score set a tournament scoring record for the event. Florida and Mississippi are tied for second at 280. Second-ranked Auburn is one shot ahead of UVa on the leaderboard.

Kohles wasn't the only Cavalier to post a top-10 opening round score. Ben Rusch recorded a season-best score of 4-under 68 to end the day in seventh place. Ji Soo Park shot 74 and is in 48th place, Denny McCarthy is 62nd at 76 and Bruce Woodall carded a round of 78 and is 75th overall. Mac McLaughlin playing as a non-scoring individual was 24th at 72.

The second round of The Schenkel is set for Saturday with the final round will be contested Sunday. Live scoring is online at Golfstat.com.

Schenkel Invitational
Forest Heights Country Club
Statesboro, GA
Par-72, 6,962 yards
First Round Results

Team Results
 1. Alabama          268
 2. Florida          280
 2. Mississippi      280
 4. Auburn           282
 5. Virginia         283
 6. Kentucky         286
 6. North Florida    286
 6. UAB              286
 9. Notre Dame       289
10. South Carolina   293
11. Georgia Southern 296
12. Minnesota        300
13. NC State         301
14. Vanderbilt       304

Individual Leaders
1. Ben Kohles, Virginia      65
2. Blayne Barber, Auburn     66
2. Joe David, Mississippi    66
2. Justin Thomas, Alabama    66
2. Bobby Wyatt, Alabama      66
6. Cory Whitsett, Alabama    67
7. Blake Morris, Mississippi 68
7. Ben Rusch, Virginia       68

Virginia Results
 1. Ben Kohles      65
 7. Ben Rusch       68
48. Ji Soo Park     74
62. Denny McCarthy  76
75. Bruce Woodall   78
24. Mac McLaughlin* 72
* Playing as a non-scoring individual