NORTH EAST, PA -- Michael Wareham (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) shot a 4-under-par 68 as he took the lead and helped the Gannon University men's golf team build an eight-shot advantage on Friday in Mercyhurst's Lake Fall Invitational at Lake View Country Club.

Wareham, a sophomore, held a two-shot lead over teammate Shaunak Rama (Bryanston, South Africa), along with IUP's Jack Buccigross and John Olsen, each of whom shot a 2-under 70.

Abe Holmes (Barrie, Ontario/Barrie North Collegiate) and Elijah Ruppert (Fleetwood, Pa./Brandywine Heights) carded even-par 72s as the Golden Knights finished with a 6-under total of 282 on the first day of the two-day tournament. IUP was second with 290, and West Chester was third with 298.

Gannon's Ryan Ferry (Meadville, Pa./Meadville) and Giovanni Delorenzi (Reggio Emilia, Italy) each turned in a 73, while Dylan Flinchbaugh (Saegertown/Saegertown) had a 77 and Zach Henry shot 81.

Gannon will try to protect its lead Saturday during the final round of the tournament at Lake View.