ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- Celebrating his birthday, senior Cameron Lewis posted a 75 and sits in fourth place to lead the Covenant men's golf team in Friday's opening round of the USA South Tournament at Benvenue Country Club.

As a team, Covenant shot a 321, nine strokes behind clubhouse leader LaGrange. Covenant is ahead of 30th-ranked Averett along with Ferrum and Maryville.

Lewis is two strokes back of leader Chris Freeman of North Carolina Wesleyan. The senior steady throughout his round as he recorded a pair of birdies, one on the front nine and another on the back nine.

James Van Nice carded a 79 in the first round and is currently in a tie for 12th individually. Alan Craig had an 82, while Scott McKnight and Nate Haney each scored an 85 on the first day.

Round two of the tournament will take place on Saturday. Covenant golfers will begin teeing off at 8:40 a.m. Click here for live stats