WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — Benjamin Fernandez shot a four-under 67 to lead Southern Miss in its season opener at the JT Poston Invitational, helping the team finish in a tie for fifth place, according to the university’s athletics department.
Fernandez, a senior from Paraguay, opened his campaign with five birdies and an eagle on the 18th hole. He was tied for eighth place after the first round and led the field on par-5 holes, averaging 3.75 strokes. Fernandez was tied for 28th in the individual standings after finishing with a 70.
Teammates Jake Moffitt and Matthew Javier each carded one-under 70s, combining for nine birdies. Moffitt, who shot an even-par front nine, finished the day tied for 28th with Javier, who made three birdies on the front nine and kept steady on the back.
Freshmen Franco Fernandez and John Markow made their collegiate debuts. Franco Fernandez shot an even-par 71 and closed with an eagle on the 18th hole. Markow recorded a 73, with two birdies on the back nine, including two on par-5 holes. Supakorn Amornchaichan finished tied for 67th with a two-over 73, also ranking 11th in pars with 13 during the round.
Southern Miss ended the day tied with Lipscomb at six-under par. Virginia Tech led the field at 12-under, while N.C. State, UTRGV, and South Carolina rounded out the top five teams. The second round is scheduled for Monday at 9 a.m., with live scoring available online.
