BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University men's golf team sits atop the leaderboard following the opening round of the 2026 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Men's Golf Championship on Friday at Bangor Municipal Golf Course, holding a one-stroke advantage over SUNY Delhi heading into Saturday's final round.
The Eagles combined for a five-over-par 289 on the par-71 championship course, narrowly edging SUNY Delhi, which finished the opening 18 holes at six-over-par 290. The University of Maine at Farmington and Lesley University sit tied for third at 29-over-par, while the University of Maine-Presque Isle rounds out the top five at 39-over-par.
Husson showcased its depth throughout the opening round, placing all five golfers inside the top six on the individual leaderboard.
Senior Juan Carlos Hernandez led the way for the Eagles, carding an even-par 71 to finish the day in second place individually. Hernandez overcame a two-over-par front nine with a strong performance on the back nine, recording a two-under-par 34 over his final nine holes to position himself near the top of the leaderboard heading into Saturday.
Sophomore Chase Farnsworth followed closely behind, firing a one-over-par 72 to finish tied for third. Farnsworth matched Hernandez with a strong back nine, shooting even-par 35 over his final nine holes to remain firmly in contention for the individual championship.
Three Eagles finished tied for sixth place after posting identical rounds of two-over-par 73.
Sophomore Michael Bruce bounced back from a three-over-par 38 on the front nine with an even-par 35 on the back, while senior Jace Cook followed the same pattern, shooting 38 on the front before closing with a 35.
Senior Ty Dickson rounded out Husson's lineup with a two-over-par 73, recording a one-over-par 36 on the front nine before finishing with a two-over-par 37 on the back.
The Eagles' consistency proved crucial in building their narrow advantage, with just two strokes separating all five Husson golfers after the opening round.
With one round remaining, Husson will look to maintain its position atop the leaderboard and capture the NAC championship on its home course.
The Eagles return to Bangor Municipal Golf Course on Saturday for the second and final round of the 2026 NAC Men's Golf Championship, with Husson scheduled to begin teeing off at 10:50 a.m.
