EAST HADDAM, CT (April 24, 2026) – The Tufts University men's golf team finished the first round of the New England Small College Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships in first place after three of the five Jumbos in the lineup ranked in the top ten individually with strong outings on the first day.
Brendan Roy led the charge for Tufts with a standout one over par score of 72. The junior shot two over par through his first nine holes with seven pars and just two bogeys. Roy then reached an even higher gear on the back nine, shooting a one under par score of 34 with two birdies on the 15th and 16
th holes and just one bogey on the 14th. The Sterling native currently ranks second individually just on stroke behind Nick Smith from Williams.
Holden Kittelberger tied Roy with a day one stroke total of 72 to rank second as well after the opening 18 holes. Kittelberger started off scorching hot with two birdies and five pars in the first seven holes. The senior ended his opening nine with an even par score of 36. Kittelberger remained consistent on the way in with six pars and a birdie in the second half of his round to shoot two over par on the back.
Jason Zawtocki made his debut appearance in the conference championships and mad some noise in the opening round with a four over par stroke total of 75. The first year started off the event with confidence, notching four straight par or better holes right out of the gate. Zawtocki finished the front nine with a two over par mark before shooting two over again on the back with two birdies on 14 and 18. Zawtocki is in sixth place individually after day one.
JP Noone ranks 23rd individually in the field of 50 golfers after the opening day of the event with an eight over par card. A double bogey on the fifth hole hurt his front nine score, but the Weston native stayed focused and shot an impressive back nine score of 38 to break 80.
Nick McCabe rounded out the scorecards for the Jumbos with a 17 over par score of 88 in the opening round. McCabe could not find his rhythm on the front nine, shooting 12 over with one birdie. The junior made some improvements on the back half of his day with four pars to shoot five over. McCabe currently sits in 44th place individually.
The Jumbos currently hold a two shot lead over Williams for first place after day one and will look to maintain their position and build a gap in the next two days as the NESCAC Championships continue tomorrow at 9 AM.
--JUMBOS--
