April 13, 2009

Results

Sophomore Thomas Ayala (East Taunton, MA) carded a two-round 153 to lead the UMass Lowell golf team to a share of fourth place at Le Moyne College’s Mike Bello Invitational Saturday and Sunday at the par 72 Links at Sunset Ridge.

In rainy, 40-degree conditions, UMass Lowell scored a 326 for the first round and a 315 for the second en route to a 641. Laval (Quebec) University’s ‘A’ team won the team title with a 295-297—592 while its ‘B’ team placed second with a 306-316—622.

The host Dolphins placed third with a 324-316—640 while the University of Ottawa scored a 322-319—641 to tie the River Hawks for fourth place.

UMass Lowell’s finish is expected to improve its place in the NCAA standings as it defeated four Division II East Region teams.

Ayala, who has emerged UMass Lowell’s leader this season, shot an 80 for the first round, but came back with a 73 to place eighth and nine over par.

Junior Patrick Bean (Fitchburg, MA) placed in a tie for 16th as he shot a 76-83—159 while senior Anthony Gallardo (Methuen, MA) carded an 84-79—163 to place in a tie for 25th.

Freshmen Matt Twomey (Salem, MA) finished with an 86-83—169 to place 34th while freshman Beau Theriault (Salem, MA) was right behind in 35th with a 90-80—170.

The tournament drew 13 foursomes (64 individuals) from Division II, III and Canada. Mathieu Belanger of Laval’s ‘A’ team and Robert Mustard of the University of Ottawa shared medalist honors with identical rounds of 71-75—146.

UMass Lowell hosts the River Hawk Invitational Friday at Meadow Creek Golf Course in Dracut, MA.