Men's Golf | September 10, 2016

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Senior P.J. Acierno walked off the ninth green at the Bucknell Golf Course after carding a bogey for a 38, a pedestrian number for his high standards. What happened on the back nine was something for the record books.

Acierno recorded three birdies and an eagle on his closing nine for a five-under 29, setting a new school record for nine-hole score. The 18-hole score of 67 (-3) is the second lowest score in program history behind his 65 at Rutgers to start the 2015-16 season. He is tied for second and one shot back of the leader, Michael O'Brien of Saint Joseph's.

The Flourtown, Pa. native used an eagle on the par five 15th to really get going. He followed the eagle with a birdie, par and birdie to finish the 29.

"I hit the ball really well on the back nine," Acierno said. "I hit every green in regulation. The eagle putt on 15 was big, it really helped me make a few putts coming in. It was great to play that well on the back after a shaky front nine."

But Acierno, as impressive as his round was, had plenty of help on the sweltering hot day at Bucknell. The Explorers are currently in second place with a 284 (+4), the second lowest round in program history. The 18 hole team record is 283 set at Rutgers last September.

"We finished really strong today," head coach Brad Kane said. "We came here thinking we would do well and so far so good. The only rough part were some missed birdie putts. P.J. was phenomenal on the back nine and was totally in control. Tomorrow should be a lot of fun for us."

Sophomore Andrew Reynolds is tied for tenth after his one-over 71. Reynolds was steady with 15 pars, two bogies and a birdie.

Freshman Evan Gaesser, playing in his first collegiate round, carded a two-over 72 with a pair of birdies. He is tied for 17th.

Sophomore Nick Geiman shot a 74 (+4) and is tied for 26th. Classmate Nick Gruber, competing as an individual, and senior Joe Markmann each shot 75. They are tied for 35th.

Saint Joseph's blistered the course with a invitational record 275 (-5). They lead La Salle by nine strokes. Bucknell (288) is in third followed by Robert Morris and Wayne State.

Play concludes on Sunday, with La Salle teeing off at 9 AM. Live statistics are available here