Bucknell University
Patriot League Championship
Bucknell Men's Golf in Fourth at Patriot League Championship
4/24/2010 8:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
April 24, 2010
HAMILTON, N.Y. - If the Bucknell men's golf team is going to win the Patriot League Championship for the fourth time in the last five years, it is going to require a repeat of its 2009 route: a dramatic comeback. With 36 holes complete in the 54-hole championship, the Bison sit in fourth place, 12 shots behind first-place Lafayette.
A year ago the Bison trailed by nine shots after one round and by four after two, then rallied to win the title on Sunday. An even bigger comeback would be required this time after Bucknell opened with rounds of 308-302 at Seven Oaks Golf Club. Lafayette, which has never won the Patriot League title, shot 303-295 to open up a nine-stroke lead over Lehigh. The second through fifth positions are separated by only four strokes. The Mountain Hawks sit at 607 for the tournament, followed by Navy at 609, Bucknell at 610 and Army at 611. Colgate (617) and Holy Cross (624) occupy the bottom two spots.
Individually for the Bison, seniors Brian Bartow (79-73) and Ryan Schneiter (74-78) are both tied for 10th place at 152. Defending champion Andrew Cohen posted a pair of 77s on Saturday and is tied for 16th alongside teammate Will Bachman (78-76). Jeff Pike shot 81-76 and Ben Mattingly 80-79.
Lafayette's Rob Robertson and Lehigh's Steve Suarez are tied for the individual lead at even-par 144. Suarez's 2-under 70 in the opening round was the low score of the day.
The third and final round gets underway Sunday morning.
