DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. --- Led by sophomore Daniel Reale, the LIU Brooklyn men's golf team ended the first day of the Northeast Conference (NEC) Championships in fifth place, putting together a team total of 24-over 312.

The second-year native of Australia was masterful in the opening round, tying for second place with a score of 2-under 70. Reale will open the second round one stroke behind individual leader McKinley Slade of Bryant. 

Fellow sophomore George Helsby joined Reale in the top 15 after carding a 5-over 77 to tie for 13th overall. 

The final two rounds will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with tee times beginning at 8 a.m.