Junior Brandon Matthews is tied for fifth place after shooting an even-par 70 on Thursday during the first day of competition at the NCAA Regionals in New Haven, Connecticut.

After scoring par on the first six holes, Matthews bogeyed three of the next five holes. The Dupont, Pennsylvania native then birdied three of the final seven holes to finish the day at even par.

“I feel really good because I’m hitting the ball really nice,” Matthews said. “I fine-tuned it yesterday and the swing felt really good.”

Matthews, who is tied with six other players at even par, is six shots behind the current leader —  South Florida sophomore Rigel Fernandes, who shot a six-under 64 on Thursday.

Matthews said he needs to improve on his short game in order to improve his score.

“Hopefully that just takes effect tomorrow,” Matthews said.  “We just want to see some more birdies roll in.  I’m in a good spot.”