March 29, 2008

GRANSONVILLE, Md. - After turning a combined one-over par team score on the front nine, St. Bonaventure struggled mightily on the back nine en route to finishing in a tie for ninth in the 18-team field on the first day of the Towson University Lacrosse Homes Classic on Saturday at Prospect Bay Country Club.

The Brown and White's one-over par 145 on the front nine was overridden by a 21-over par 165 on the back. Strong winds and cold conditions contributed to the team's back nine struggles. Four players finished under 40 on the front, but all five finished 39 or worse on the back.

Despite the back nine lapses, the Bonnies sit 12 strokes back of leader UNC Greensboro. Longwood and Liberty sit just one stroke back at 300. James Madison (306), Army (307) and Georgetown (307) round out the fields top five.

Senior Ryan Swanson enjoyed a solid first day with a one-over par 73 to sit in a tie for third place. Swanson carded a two-under par 34 on the front nine to aid his round.

Junior Brenna Payne's 36-42/78 was second on the club and tied for 35th amongst the field. Senior Andy Whalen was one stroke behind Payne at 79, while freshman Chris Stoddard accounted for the fourth score at 81.

St. Bonaventure will return to Prospect Bay Country Club tomorrow with an 8 a.m. tee time.