Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Bucknell Invitational
Bucknell Men's Golf Seven Shots Off Lead After 36 Holes of Bucknell Invite
9/16/2011 8:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Sept. 16, 2011
Results | Photo Gallery 
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LEWISBURG, Pa. - Junior Jon Hartman (Essex Fells, N.J./Seton Hall Prep) fired an even-par 70 in the first round, and classmate J.J. Szmadzinski(Northville, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central) equaled that score in round two, helping the Bucknell men's golf team get off to a strong start at the season-opening Bucknell Invitational on Friday. The Bison posted team scores of 292 and 289 and sit in a tie for fifth place on a crowded leaderboard, seven shots behind Lafayette.
Playing in cool, wet conditions, Bucknell had an exciting day, leading all teams with 26 birdies, including eight from Hartman in the opening 36 holes. Hartman's opening 70 led the team, with sophomore Schuyler Stitzer(Greenwich, Conn./Brunswick School) just a shot behind with a 71.
Also for Bucknell in the first round, Szmadzinski shot 75, senior Will Bachman (Wellesley, Mass./Wellesley) posted a 76, and junior Dan Bernard(Malvern, Pa./Malvern Prep) carded a 77.
In the afternoon, Szmadzinski shot a career-best 70, while Bachman improved by five shots with a 71. Hartman followed his even-par round with a solid 3-over 73, while Stitzer posted a 75 and Bernard a 78.
At 143 total, Hartman sits in a tie for 10th place individually, while Szmadzinski and Stitzer are also in the top 20. Anthony Kim of Army carded a pair of 69s and holds a one-shot lead over Carter Rufe of Lafayette and Austin Gray of Longwood.
Bucknell also sent out a "Blue" team, consisting of two sophomores and three freshmen. Sophomore Billy Wright (Winnetka, Ill./New Trier) had the low round among that group with an opening 72. He followed that up with a 79. Sophomore Thomas Walter(Darien, Conn./Woodberry Forest) shot 75-73 for a team-best 148 over 36 holes.
Among the freshmen making their collegiate debuts, Pete Scialabba (Oyster Bay, N.Y./Friends Academy) shot 81-77, and Zach Pogustfollowed up an 88 with a very good 73 in the afternoon. The "Blue" squad broke the 300 barrier with a 299 in the second round after starting with a 307.
Lafayette compiled a pair of 287s (574 total) to grab a two-shot lead over Longwood, whose afternoon 285 was the best of the day in the 13-team field. Navy sits in third place with a total of 578, followed by Lehigh (579), Bucknell (581), Army (581), Colgate (582), Canisius (587), Fordham (587), Laval (597), Bucknell "Blue" (606), Messiah (608) and Ottawa (620).
Bucknell is trying to win its home tournament for the fifth year in a row and for the seventh time in the last nine years. Last season, the Bison came from four shots back after 36 holes to win by one.
The final round gets underway with a shotgun start on Saturday morning.
