Louisburg, N.C. - The men's golf team of North Carolina Wesleyan opened its 2012 fall season with a bang on Friday, turning in a first-place finish at the Louisburg College Confab Invite. The Battling Bishops beat out the host Hurricanes by three strokes with a team score of 304.

Leading the way for NCWC was freshman Lucas Norman with a one-over 73, which tied for second place among the 18-man field. Norman was actually matched by freshman teammate Ryan Shearin, who competed as an individual for the Bishops. Freshman Jarrett Hagler finished one stroke behind with a 74, while freshman Tommy Nakamura carded a 76.

Also competing for Wesleyan were sophomore Stephen Bardswick and freshman Raul de Leon, who shot 81 and 82, respectively.

Louisburg's Juan Fernandez took medalist honors with an even-par showing at the par-72 Bull Creek Golf Club. The three-team field consisted of NCWC, Louisburg and Surry Community College.

Next up for the Bishops is the CenturyLink Invite held at Lane Tree Golf Club in Goldsboro this Monday and Tuesday, the 10th and 11th.