LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL - The Iona University men's golf team opened play at the 2026 MAAC Championship first round on Tuesday at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course, a par 72 layout, and sits in first place following a strong showing.
 
The Maroon & Gold posted a team score of 1-over to take the early lead in the 11-team field. Siena sits three strokes back in second at 4-over, with Sacred Heart close behind at 5-over. Manhattan holds fourth at 8-over, while Saint Peter's and Fairfield are tied for fifth at 10-over. Rider is seventh at 12-over, followed by Mount St. Mary's at 14-over, Merrimack at 16-over, Niagara at 17-over, and Canisius rounds out the field at 25-over.
 
Freshman Jennings Oelke paced the Maroon & Gold with an impressive 2-under round, placing second overall and sitting just one shot off the individual lead held by Siena's KC Nickel. Junior Sahir Balyan followed with an even-par performance, good for a tie for sixth place.
 
Senior Connor Henderson contributed a 1-over round to place 11th, while junior Sean Richards carded a 2-over score to sit 16th. Sophomore Ryan Slevcove rounded out the scoring five for Iona, finishing the day at 3-over in a tie for 21st.
 
Iona's balanced effort across the lineup proved to be the difference, as all five competitors finished within five strokes of par to establish the early cushion atop the standings.
 
UP NEXT
Iona continues action tomorrow for round two in Disney at 10:15 a.m.