ERIE, PA -- The Gannon men's golf team took a one-shot lead through the first round of its own tournament, the Howard "Bud" Elwell Invitational, on Sunday at Whispering Woods Golf Club.

Junior Shaunak Rama (Bryanston, South Africa) shot a 3-under-par 69 to grab a share of the lead as the Golden Knights' top four scorers finished with a combined score of 3-under 285. That was good for a one-shot lead over Ohio Dominican, whose Yadhu Urs was tied with Rama for the top spot. The next closest team was Fairview State with a 303.

Gannon has won its first two tournaments of the fall, the California Vulcan Invitational on September 4-5 and the Mercyhurst Laker Fall Invitational on Friday and Saturday at Lake View Country Club.

Senior Abe Holmes (Barrie, Ontario/Barrie North Collegiate) won the individual title at both of those tournaments in a playoff with a teammate. Going into Monday's final round, Holmes is again in position to contend for the title. He is one shot back in third place after carding a 2-under 70.

Gannon's Micheal Wareham shot an even-par 72 and Ryan Ferry (Meadville, Pa./Meadville) rounded out the Golden Knights' team scoring with a 2-over 74. Giovanni Delorenzi (Reggio Emilia, Italy) shot a 1-over 73 but was playing as an individual, so his score didn't count toward the team total.

Taking the lead on the first day of the tournament could be critical for Gannon because of the weather forecast, which calls for possible thunderstorms Monday. If the second round is rained out, it would we reduced to an 18-hole event.