Arizona State stole the show from the Arizona men's golf team in Tucson yesterday, placing three of its golfers in the top five places en route to the first-round lead at the 2004 National Invitational Tournament.

Three of the Sun Devils' five golfers shot 3-under-par or better as the team carded a 9-under 279 total and claimed a three-shot lead. All told, seven of the 11 teams finished the opening round at par or better. USC (282), Arizona (284) and Washington (284) rounded out the top three places in the standings.

Five Wildcats currently stand in the tournament's top 15 places. The UA's 4-under 284 total, which tied the team for third place, was the squad's 10th sub-par tally in 13 rounds played this spring. Arizona, which is looking for its second consecutive win, is the defending champion.

Freshman Henry Liaw led the way for the Wildcats. The Rowland Heights, Calif., product shot a 3-under 69 and is in a five-way tie for fifth place in the field of 60. Liaw is five strokes off the pace set by UNLV's Ryan Moore, who carded a first-round 64 (-8).

UA freshman Nathan Tyler shot an opening-round 71 (-1) and is tied for 13th after 18 holes. He is one stroke ahead of three other teammates, as Josh Esler, Nathan Lashley and Chris Nallen carded identical even-par totals of 72 and are tied for 15th.

Five other Wildcats are participating as individuals. After 18 holes, freshman Mark Lamb is tied for 13th with a 1-under 71 total. Nick Juszczak and Ben Marsh are tied for 43rd at 75 (+3), while Kipp Riehle is tied for 54th at 77 (+5). Rounding out the UA contingent is Blaine Peffley, who is tied for 57th at 79 (+7).

The 54-hole 2004 National Invitational Tournament continues through tomorrow at Onmi Tucson National Golf Course, a par 72, 7,138-yard layout.