GREENSBORO, N.C. – Jordan Cowart helped pace the Southwestern University men's golf team with a first round 69 on day one of the NCAA Division III National Championships.

Cowart finished day one tied for third as he helped guide the Pirates, who sit just 12 strokes off the lead. He carded four birdies in his first round and just one bogey as he is two strokes behind individual leader, Brian Burt of Hampden-Sydney College.

Every Pirate golfer was able to stay under 80 as Cameron Button also posted a 73 on Tuesday and is tied for 32nd.

Andrew DeHennis just missed earning a spot in the top 100 after posting a score of 77 while Cody Hebert and James Grachos each carded a 78.

As a team the Pirates posted a team score of 297 as SCAC foe Schreiner holds the day one lead with a 285. Methodist carded a 286 and sits in second as LaGrange posted a 290 while defending champion UT-Tyler sits tied in fourth after a 291 with Hope College.

Southwestern will tee off starting at 7:25 a.m. on the West Course at Grandover Resort on Wednesday.