Men's Golf | March 29, 2016

MALVERN, Pa. - La Salle junior P.J. Acierno shot a 71-75=146 (+4) to finish third at the Wildcat Invitational, hosted by Villanova on Sunday and Monday at White Manor Country Club. Acierno battled windy conditions both days to finish just three shots off the pace of medalist Kyle Wambold of Binghamton (+3).

The Explorers tied for fourth in the 21-team field. La Salle shot a 303 (+19) on Monday and 601 for the tournament. The Blue and Gold was just two shots out of second place Lehigh. Cleveland State came from behind to win the event at +25 followed by Lehigh (+31), Wagner (+32) and Villanova, Binghamton and La Salle were at +33.

"The guys really gutted it out today," head coach Brad Kane said. "We got off to such a bad start so it was great to see everyone rally on the back nine. Conditions were very tough with the wind all day so finishing top five is great."

Acierno had three birdies on the front nine on his way to a one-over 36. He was two-over through 15 and one shot back of the lead but an unfortunate double-bogey on 16 put him off the pace. He recovered nicely with a pair of pars to close out his round. 

The Flourtown, Pa. native continued his strong play at White Manor. Last year, he finished eighth in the event with a 75-70=145 (+3). 

Freshman Nick Geiman was the next Explorer to finish, as he shot a 73 on Monday to move into a tie for 25th at nine-over. Geiman had three birdies and an eagle on the par-four, 330-yard 15th. He played his final 12 holes at an impressive three-under. 

Junior Joe Markmann tied for 37th with his 77-75=152 (+10). Freshman Andrew Reynolds shot 73-80=153 (+11) to tie for 52nd while classmate Nick Gruber had a 77-86=163 (+21) and tied for 98th.

"We played a man down without Tonny and with three freshmen in the lineup," Kane said. "It was great to see."

La Salle is back on the course on Sunday at the Lafayette Invitational.