Williams golfers, NESCAC qualifier championship
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Finishing two strokes behind was Hamilton, with a 597 total after a 306 today. Following closely was Trinity, who moved up two spots today, finishing third with a 603 two-day total. Middlebury rounded out the top four with consistent scores of 305 and 303 for a 608 total.
The top four finishers in the fall qualifier receive an automatic bid into the spring NESCAC Championship, where the winner there will have the right to represent the conference at the NCAA Championships.
Due to the shaky weather on the first day, eight competitors completed their rounds this morning. The sunshine and warmth that was present the rest of the day provided perfect playing conditions at the Waubeeka Golf Links.
Consistency was key for the Williams team, as they posted all ten rounds in the 70’s this weekend. Bob Camp shot a 74 today to match his first round 74, and Jake Wagner posted a 73 today with his 75 from day one. The two 148 totals provided the strong base, as Chris Valle played solidly throughout, posting a 149 total (73-76). Jack Killea also showed his usual strong form with rounds of 76-75 for a 151 total. First Year Wyatt Sparks held his own with a 152 total (75-77).
In addition, Williams Head Coach Rick Pohle stated, "Equally as important were the contributions of the 4 other players that were not allowed to compete because of NESCAC regulations, but did play the course over the 2 days (Jack Ervasti - 149, Ryan Brand - 150, Drew Murray - 156 and Siwol Chang - 157). Each of them have played hard and produced scores good enough to be playing for any other team in our conference - as a group, we make each other better players."
Hamilton’s second place finish at 597 was also filled with consistent scoring throughout. A couple of shots left them only two strokes behind, as Phil Preiss was the individual NESCAC qualifier champion, shooting another stellar even par round of 71 today for a 142 total, winning the tournament by five shots. Brad Roche also had a strong weekend with a 148 total (71-77). Hans Schulte, Scott Blosser, and William Kresock also played well, with 153, 154, and 159 totals respectively.
Trinity College came back strong today, with the daily low team round of 294, for a 603 total. After completing the first round in 5th place, last year’s runner up at the NESCAC Championship were outside the bubble of the top four. They answered back with some stellar play today, as Alex Bermingham shined to the tournament low round of 67 after his 80 in round one. His 147 total was good enough for second place and provided the boost that Trinity needed on day two. Reid Longley shot two solid rounds of 75 for a 150 total, and Dave Anderson (154), Jay Driscoll (155), and Jack Palley (158) all proved that Trinity belonged in the top four.
Middlebury, last year’s NESCAC Champions, were in their usual consistent mode as they fired two rounds of 305 and 303 for a 608 total. Freshman Andrew Emerson put on a nice display this weekend with a 148 total and taking low-Freshman honors. Jim Levins also continued his strong play with a 149 total after a 76 today.
With the win, Williams will be hosting the NESCAC Championship this spring at the newly renovated Taconic Golf Club. Said Coach Pohle, “"We are very honored to have the opportunity to host the NESCAC Championship next April - We played very well over the past two days and beat some very good teams in the process. In the long run, I think our individual consistency was the key to our success. Each player knew what he had to do and went out there and did it. There is great comfort in a players outlook and game knowing that your team mates are working just as hard as you are."
Many of the teams from this weekend will be seen in action again at the Hamilton Invitational next weekend, which will be held on the Yahnundasis and Skenendoa Golf Courses.
