NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Southern Miss opened its men's spring golf season today, and is in eighth place in the nine-team field after 36-holes of opening day action in the Tulane Invitational, with rounds of 299-302--601. SMU put four players in the top eight and holds first place at 279-287--566, in the tournament that is being played at the English Turn Golf and Country Club.

Wake Forest (285-291--576) sits in second with host Tulane (300-286--586) alone in third. Southeastern Louisiana (295-293--588) and Alabama (307-293--590) round out the top five teams.

SMU's opening 9-under-par 279 round gave the Mustangs the first day lead. That 279 was the best team round of the day.

In addition to Rushing's score, other Golden Eagles and their scores include Justin Elliott (77-72--149), tied for 16th; Michael Soroka (75-78--153), tied for 32nd, as is Matt Wofford (73-80--153); and Ben Snow finished in a tie for 39th place at 77-78--155.

The third and final round of the 54-hole event starts at 7:52 a.m., Tuesday, with teams teeing off both No. 1 and No. 10 tees.

Following the Tulane tournament, Southern Miss will host the Sam Hall Intercollegiate at the Hattiesburg Country Club, Feb. 16-17.

Tulane Invitational

English Turn Golf & CC -- New Orleans, La.

Par: 72

Yardage: 7,078

School 1st 2nd 3rd Total

1. SMU 279 287 566

Southern Miss Scores: 1st 2nd 3rd Total