By A.J. Mitchell
Contributing Writer
The St. Bonaventure men’s golf team picked up a victory at the Matthews Auto Collegiate Invitational, which was played on The Links at Hiawatha Landing in Apalachin, NY. For the second year, the team won the tournament through a tiebreaker.
This year, the Bonnies and the Hawks of Lehigh University tied after the final round of the tournament with a total of 586 strokes, which was ten-over-par. To break the tie, the Bonnies fifth golfer had a better score than Lehigh’s fifth man. Last season, they won the same way, except against Drexel University.
Leading the Bonnies was freshman Danny Gianniny, who finished tied for fourth overall in the tournament. Gianniny shot an even-par 72 in the first round and shot a one-under-par round of 71. The freshman was one of five players to finish the tournament under par. Gianniny also made seven birdies in the tournament.
Helping shoulder the load was senior Corey Long, who finished the round with an even-par 72 and junior Ben Morgan, who continued his hot streak by finishing in a tie for twelfth place.
Sophomore Zach Chaddock shot a 75 in the final round to help the Bonnies win the tournament.
Sophomore Nolan Ditcher was the deciding man after St. Bonaventure and Lehigh finished in a tie after counting the first four scores of each team. Ditcher’s round of 78 on the final day edged out Ryan Kelly of Lehigh, who shot a 79.
For the Bonnies, this is their third win this season, as they are enjoying their recent success on the links. The team has finished in the top 10 in every event this season, and this is their second top-five finish this fall.
Next, St. Bonaventure will travel to Albany where they will take on Siena College in the first-ever Murray Cup today, Oct. 3.
mitcheaj17@bonaventure.edu
