LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Led by sophomore Chris Agostinelli’s (Rochester, N.Y./Aquinas) 4-over 76, the Niagara University golf team stands fifth after Friday’s opening round of the 2004 JetBlue Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Golf Championships, played on the Palm Golf Course, at Walt Disney World.

After the first round of play, the Purple Eagles have a team score of 314, nine shots back of opening-round co-leaders Loyola and Rider, both with 305.

Agostinelli, who led Niagara in the previous three tournaments, is currently tied for seventh in the individual standings -- just five shots back of individual-leader Jonathan Vannelli of Fairfield, who shot a 1-under 71.

Posting a 78 for Niagara was senior Shaun Applegate (Tonawanda/Kenmore East), shooting the second-best score for the Purple Eagles in the opening round and is currently tied for 15th.

Also participating for Niagara in the MAAC Championships were Chris Hart (Ithaca, N.Y./Ithaca) and Andrew Burke (Rochester, N.Y./McQuaid), both shooting 80, as well as senior captain Brad Chapman (Skaneateles, N.Y./Skaneateles Central), who shot an 85.

With Loyola and Rider leading the tournament, Siena (308) is third, Fairfield (310) fourth, Canisius (317) sixth and Iona (319) seventh. Manhattan (327) and Saint Peter’s (343) round out the team competition.

Second-round tournament play commences at 6:52 a.m. Saturday, with Niagara teeing off at 7:52 a.m.