By: Scott Eddy, Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications
WILMINGTON, Del. – The St. Bonaventure golf team placed in fourth out of 12 teams at the Blue Hen Invitational, fighting through a difficult final round on Tuesday to hold on to a top finishing spot in the field at White Clay Creek Golf Course.
Senior Caleb Decker paced the Bonnies, placing in a tie for 21st on the individual leaderboard out of 67 competitors.
St. Bonaventure finished the 54-hole tournament at 307-300-313 = 920. Host Delaware ran away with the tournament, winning by a whopping 29 strokes with a 3-under total for the week, easily sailing past second-place Binghamton (+26) and third-place Saint Joseph's (+29). The Bonnies (+56) bested Rider by one shot and bested sixth-place Western Illinois by three strokes.
Decker opened Monday's 36 holes with 1-over 73 before a second-round 76. He finished the competition with 79 on Tuesday for a 228 total.
Fellow senior Michael Bucko struggled in the first round, carding 81, but improved by 10 shots in the afternoon for an under-par round of 71. His final round 79 placed him 31st on the individual leaderboard.
Likewise, sophomore Braddock Damore recorded and up-and-down tournament. After recording 81 in the morning on Tuesday, he shined with a 74 in the afternoon, then wrapped things up on Tuesday at 77 to tie for 34th.
Freshman Colin Barber shot his best round of the week during Monday's early 18, carding 74 before finishing the day at 79. He completed the tournament with an 81 on Tuesday. Also in the lineup for the Bonnies was senior Gabe Williams (79-81-78/238).
Up next, the Bonnies will compete in the annual Little Three Championship vs. Canisius and Niagara Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Niagara Frontier Country Club in Youngstown, N.Y.
TEAM STANDINGS
1. Delaware -3
2. Binghamton +26
3. Saint Joseph's +29
4. St. Bonaventure +56
5. Rider +57
6. Western Illinois +59
7. Goldey-Beacom +66
8. Bucknell +68
T9. Monmouth +70
T9. Maryland Eastern Shore +70
11. North Carolina Central +72
12. Shepherd +84
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