Williams Golf Wins NESCAC Qualifier; Ephs will host Championship at Taconic in the Spring
Williamstown, MA – After Hamilton held a
six shot lead going into the final round, the Williams golfers
showed their consistent stride and fired a 298 today for a 595
tournament total to take home the NESCAC qualifier
championship.
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.
Ephs in above photo-
Standing (l to r): Drew Murray, Jake Wagner, Jack Killea, Bob Camp, Chris Valle, Siwol Chang
Kneeling (l to r): Jack Ervasti, Wyatt Sparks, Ryan Brand
