Silvis, Ill. --- University of St. Francis finds itself in a tie for 11th-place after the first day of play at the 2010 NAIA Men's Golf Championships at the TPC at Deere Run.

The Saints, who placed 29th one year ago at the event, are tied with Savannah College of Art & Design (Ga.). Both teams shot a 300, which is just nine strokes off the pace of frontrunner Oklahoma Christian University (291).

Oklahoma City University is second at 293 with University of South Carolina Beaufort third at 296.

Freshman Martin Hetelle (Joliet Junior College/Seneca, IL) produced USF's best effort on the day and the ninth-best mark in the tournament field with his one-under par 71. Sophomore Grant Whybark (Morris H.S./Morris, IL) was second with his 74 followed by senior Steve Sourigno (Joliet Catholic Academy/Joliet, IL) and his 77. Sophomore Steve Wojcik (Andrew H.S./Tinley Park, IL) rounded out the Saints' scoring with his 78.

Axel Ochoa of Oklahoma Christian topped the list of performers on the day with his four-under 67.

The tournament runs through Friday.