SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — Sophomore Braddock Damore led the way for the St. Bonaventure golf team in its spring opener at the Ross Collegiate Classic played at Mid-Pines Golf Club by tying for 39th in the 100-player field. 

The Bonnies finished with a 54-hole team total of 899 (+35) to take 19th in the 20-team field. St. Bonaventure opened with a 3-over 291 in the first round before posting scores of 302 and 306 in each of the final two rounds. 

Damore opened the spring season on a strong note: his impressive start included a 2-under-par 70 in the opening round on Monday, featuring birdies on the par-5 5th and par-4 10th, both among the tougher holes yielding field averages over par, followed by +4 and +3 rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. 

Senior Michael Bucko finished at 225 for the tournament (+9) to tie for 68th after rounds of 73, 74 and 78. 

Senior Gabe Williams placed in a tie for 76th at 227 (+11). Williams opened with a 1-under 71 before rounds of 79 and 77. 

Freshman Colin Barber carded a 229 total (+13) with rounds of 77, 76 and 76, while senior Caleb Decker finished the 54-hole tournament at 233 (+17) with rounds of 79, 76 and 78. 

Richmond captured the team title at 858 (-6), edging host George Mason at 861 (-3). James Madison and George Washingtontied for third at 862 (-2). 

QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH PAT DAMORE
"We faired well on Day One in a very strong field, led by Braddock's 70 and Gabe's 71. It was our first time on a golf course since last October and rust was evident during the last four holes of round two. Our final day was our worst and unfortunately led us to drop in the standings. But this week showed our team that we can compete if we stay patient and play to our abilities. The weather was great all week and this will give us a much needed start to our season."

UP NEXT
St. Bonaventure returns to action March 23-24 at the Golden Horseshoe Intercollegiate in Williamsburg, Va. 

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