PRESQUE ISLE, ME
The UMPI Golf team made a statement in their first round of the season as they hosted the UMPI Invitational at Presque Isle Country Club. The Owls hosted five other schools, four of which competed as teams, and one of which played three individuals. The Owls posted a stellar team score of 313, the best since 2011. They finished just four strokes behind University of Maine at Augusta who took home the title.
Leading the pack was the Owls number one, freshman Lucas Tataryn. He shot a 76 after going out with a 36. He played the par fives very well, shooting collectively three under with birdies on seven, nine and 12. He was in with a 40 his total of four over and finished tied for 2nd in the tournament.
The freshmen recruits made their name known, as Jaxson Sockbeson a John Bapst high school grad, posted a 78 with a 38 on the front and a 40 on the back. Sockbeson had more birdies of anyone in the field, scoring on holes two, six, seven and 15. Though he endured a rockier back nine, he still found a way to finish tied for 7th.
Yet another freshman, Kamden Morlock playing as UMPI's number two finished at 79 after a 37 on the front. He birdied the par five 12th hole. Sophomore Matt Pelletier salvaged an 80 after a 38 on the front that included an eagle on hole seven.
Though his score didn't count to the team total, sophomore Luke Beidelman posted a solid score of 81 with steady nines of 40 and 41. His lone birdie came on the par five 9th.
The Owls had three others competing as individuals. Avery Thibodeau finished at 89, Daniel Wriglet finished with a 92, and Ethan Anderson wrapped up with a 98.
UMPI played the par fives exceptionally well, playing them a collective score of 7 under. UMPI edged out Husson by one stroke, finishing above the Eagles in a match for the first time since at least 2011.
Next Up:
The Owls will get Labor Day weekend off from tournament play, and will return to action next Wednesday at Point Sebago Golf Cours as part of the Queenan Memorial hosted by Saint Joeseph's College of Maine.
