Men's Golf | April 19, 2015

ELVERSON, Pa. - The La Salle golf team shot its second best score of the spring and currently stands in fifth place in the Finegan Invitational, which the Explorers hosted at Stonewall North today. The 297 (+17) was also the third best score of the season, behind the 292 at Villanova on March 31 and the 296 at George Mason on September 29.

Three La Salle players, graduate student Tonny Aizpun, sophomore PJ Acierno and freshman Brandon Raihl, each shot three-over 73s and are tied for eighth in the 60-player field. For Raihl, who was competing as an individual, it was a collegiate low. Senior Greg Goodreds was one shot behind his teammates with a 74 (+4) and is tied for 13th.

Aizpun led the field with 13 pars, while Goodreds and Acierno were third with four birdies. Raihl had 12 pars, which was good for third. 

"We're in a good spot right now," head coach Brad Kane said. "PJ, Tonny and Greg were solid all day and Justin held it together after a rough start. Hopefully we can play tomorrow and move up a couple of spots."

Raihl was five-over on the front nine but blistered the back with a two-under 33. He had three birdies, including one on the par-five 18th.

"I'm really proud of Brandon's effort today," Kane said. "He's been playing a lot better lately."

Senior Justin Smith had a 77 (+7) and sophomore Joe Markmann posted a 79 (+7). Senior Mike Kelley competed as an individual and carded a 82 (+12).

Wagner leads the field with a 290 (+10). Lafayette (+12), Monmouth (+13), Hofstra (+16) and La Salle (+17) round out the top five. Wagner's Kyle Sullivan shot a four-under 66 to lead the field by two shots. The 66 is a La Salle/Finegan Invitational record, as is the 290 posted by Wagner. 

This is the fourth straight year that La Salle has hosted a golf invitational. The event was renamed the Finegan Invitational this year in memory of noted golfer and writer Jim Finegan '51, the only Explorer golfer in the La Salle Hall of Athletes. Finegan passed away in February. 

Play resumes on Monday at 10 AM with a shotgun start.