Fresh off a recent appearance in a Champions Tour event, Norwich Free Academy graduate John Elliott was one of 11 golfers to shoot under par in the opening round of the 34th Connecticut Senior Open at Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton.

Elliott finished with a 1-under 70 on Monday, leaving him in a five-way tie for seventh place and three strokes off the lead.

Dave Dell of Simsbury carded a 4-under 67 to seize the lead. He started hot, scoring birdies on the first two holes, and finished with six overall. Both Bob Kearney of Houston, Texas, and Tony Kelley of Holyoke, Mass., are tied for second just one shot back. Three others are at 2-under.

Several locals made the cut besides Elliott, who's from Westerly.

Westerly's Mark Toscano (72), Waterford's Sean Grimsey (73), East Lyme's Bill Hermanson (74), Norwich's Dave Jones (75) and Stonington Country Club pro Michael Myszkowski (75) also moved on to Tuesday's final round.

Jones continues his golf marathon. He's played six rounds, including five at the Norwich Invitational over the weekend while earning runnerup status, in the last four days.

— Day staff reports