May 5, 2009

Junior Brendan Livingston (Westford, MA) shot a five-over 77 and senior Anthony Gallardo (Methuen, MA) a 78 despite dreadful conditions to lead UMass Lowell at the NCAA Division II Golf Championship East/Atlantic Regional at The Resort at Glade Springs.

UMass Lowell finished with a 322 following a 318 Monday (aggregate 640) but remains within striking distance of the top five entering Wednesday’s final round.

“That’s four worse than yesterday, but because of the conditions, that’s not bad,” said UML Head Coach Gary Mucica. “Teams are bouncing all over the standings because of the weather. But we’ve got the guys who can get it done. We just have to go out and do it.”

Tuesday’s round was unable to be completed by all 20 teams and 108 players due to the weather, which prompted officials to halt play several times. The second round will be made up Wednesday, prior to the beginning of the third round.

The top five teams and five individuals (not on those teams) move on to the NCAA Championship in Blaine, WA, May 19-22.

“We need to pull an inside straight, but we can do it,” Mucica added.

Due to the weather, standings remain incomplete. “I suspect we’ll be between sixth and eighth place,” said Mucica.

Fayetteville State led after Monday’s round with a 304 while Adelphi (307) and Concord (307) shared second place.

“I think the scores are going to be pretty high. I don’t think anyone can light it up in this weather,” said Mucica. “It is amazing they’ve been able to keep the course playable.”

After struggling to an 88 Monday, Livingston led UMass Lowell with a 77 Tuesday to improve to an aggregate 165. Livingston emerged with three birdies: the par-four eighth hole, the par-five 12th and the par-four 14th.

Gallardo currently leads the River Hawks with a 10-over 154 as he birdied the par-four sixth and the par-four 10th holes and overcame two weather stoppages.

Sophomore Thomas Ayala (East Taunton, MA), who emerged fourth overall Monday with a two-over 74, struggled with an 85 in the second round and has a 15-over 159.

Junior Patrick Bean (Fitchburg, MA) carded an 82 to improve one stroke from Monday’s round. Bean highlighted his round with birdies on the par-five second and fifth as well as the par-four 15th.

Sophomore Andrew Albrecht (Georgetown, ONT), who shot an 85 Monday, slipped to an 87 Tuesday.

“We need to shoot low 300 tomorrow,” said Mucica. “We still have a reasonable shot at advancing.”