March 19, 2008

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Despite improving by five strokes on the final day of the First Market Bank Intercollegiate, St. Bonaventure failed to make up any ground as it finished eighth in the 19-team field on Tuesday.

The Bonnies shot a 294 on the final day bringing their two-day total to 593. Francis Marion University held onto its first day lead and cruised to a seven stroke win over Detroit Mercy (576). Gardner-Webb (585), Florida Gulf Coast (586) and James Madison (586) rounded out the top five.

Senior Andy Whalen battled the difficult conditions to finish in sole possession of third place with a 68 (-3)-72/140. Whalen finished second in the field with 8 birdies over his 36 holes and tied for first in par 4 scoring (-2).

Fellow senior Ryan Swanson rebounded from uncharacteristic rough first round with a one-under par 70. Swanson finished in a tie for 41st place. Junior Brennan Payne turned in a pair of solid rounds with a 72-75/147, good for 22nd position. Sophomore Nathan Peck rounded out the scoring with a 77 on the final day.

Detroit Mercy's Mark Sommerfield earned medalist honors after defeating Christopher Couch from Francis Marion on the first playoff hole.

St. Bonaventure will return to the links on Saturday, March 29, when it tees-off at the Towson University Lacrosse Homes Invitational.