Sept. 13, 2009

Senior Brendan Livingston (Westford, MA) carded a two-round score of 153 to lead the UMass Lowell golf team to eighth place at the season-opening Rutgers Invitational Friday and Saturday at the par 71 Rutgers University Golf Course.

The field included 74 players representing 13 Division I, II and III teams.

UMass Lowell compiled a score of 315-307—622 as the host Scarlet Knights won the tournament with a score of 301-291—592. South Carolina-Upstate placed second (301-294—595) while Mount St. Mary’s (304-297—601) took third.

“We are very pleased that we held our own against a very strong field and beat three Division I schools and both other non-Division I schools by a large margin,” said UML head coach Gary Mucica. “We felt we had another strong team this year and this weekend indicates we should be one of the better teams in the East Region again this year.”

Livingston scored a 74 for the first round and a 79 for the second while senior Matt Twomey (Salem, MA) placed in a tie for 30th with an 80-75—155. Senior Patrick Bean (Fitchburg, MA) and junior Thomas Ayala (East Taunton, MA) each placed in a tie for 40th.

Bean registered an 81-76—157 while Ayala shot an 80-77—157. Sophomore Brandon Robinson (Hampstead, NH) rounded out UMass Lowell’s effort with an 81-87—168, placing him in a tie for 64th.

Josh Gallman of South Carolina-Upstate earned medalist honors with a 71-66—137.

The River Hawks enter the Goldey-Beacom Invitational Monday and Tuesday.