April 16, 2012

EASTON, Pa. -- J.J. Szmadzinski carded a 1-over-par 73, the eighth-best score in the 84-player field, to lead the Bucknell men's golf team to a 306 team score at the Lafayette Invitational, which wrapped up Monday at Northampton Country Club. The Bison finished in ninth place out of 15 teams with a 622 total.

Szmadzinski's 73 followed a first-round 82, and at 155 total he finished in a tie for 23rd place. Patrick Hagerty posted a 77 on Monday and he also tied for 23rd to share team-best honors.

Zach Pogust also carded a 77 on the heels of his first-round 83. Billy Wright, who led the team with a 77 on Sunday, followed it up with a 79. Thomas Walter added an 82 on Monday.

Hofstra entered the final round with a comfortable lead, and despite finishing with a 309 was able to coast home to a six-shot win over host Lafayette. The Leopards posted a 299, the only sub-300 round on Monday.

Lafayette's Carter Rufe fired a 6-under 66 to get into a playoff with Jeremy Foran of Saint Francis (Pa.), and Rufe prevailed in the playoff to win the individual title. Both player were even par through 36 holes.

The Bison will be back in action on Apr. 21-22 at the Navy Invitational.