NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Led by junior Ryan Sullivan's even-par score of 70, UNCW is tied for 10th overall after the opening round of the NCAA Tournament at The Course at Yale in New Haven. The Seahawks are just five shots out of a spot that will advance them to the NCAA Championship later this month.

Sullivan's score, which has him tied for 18th, tied UNCW's school-record at the NCAA tournament set by former UNCW standout Marc Andre Roy, who also fashioned a 70 at the 2005 East Regional. The Seahawks' opening round score of 286 was an all-time low, besting the previous mark of 289 at the NCAA tournament set in 2003.

Texas (274) leads the 14-team regional by three strokes over Penn State (277) and Kent State (277). Fourth-place East Tennessee is four strokes off the lead. UNCW is just five strokes out of fifth-place, which is held by Alabama (281).

 "I'm proud of the way the guys competed and overcame some slow starts," said second-year Head Coach Matt Clark. "We finished well and I hope we can continue that momentum tomorrow. We're right in the mix and have a chance to improve our standing."

 Joining Sullivan with in entering the top-10 for UNCW at NCAA regionals were senior Derek Wallace and freshman Stefan Brewer and Thomas Bass, each at two-over-par 72 and tied for 40th overall. Junior Josh Brock carded an opening round of 73 and is tied for 50th.

Brock will open UNCW's second round teeing off at 8:50 a.m. on the back nine.