Sept. 17, 2009

Senior Patrick Bean (Fitchburg, MA) and junior Thomas Ayala (East Taunton, MA) each carded a two-round score of 150 to lead the UMass Lowell golf team to third place at the Goldey-Beacom College Fall Invitational Monday and Tuesday at the par 71 Chesapeake Bay Club.

UMass Lowell scored a 315 for the first round and emerged from fifth place to third with a second round score of 298 to finish behind Wilmington College (306-282—588) and Adelphi (308-303—611).

Dowling (310-305—615) placed fourth and was followed by Wesley College (320-301—621), the host Lightning (312-310—622) and Pace (323-314—637). Dominican (331-320—651) and Saint Rose (338-318—656) rounded out the eight-time field.

The finish improved UMass Lowell’s 2009 record against East Region opponents to 6-2.

“We are feeling very good about where our team is at this early stage of the season,” said UML head coach Gary Mucica. “Anytime you’re throwing out a score in the 70s, you’ve had a good day.”

Bean shot a 76 for the first round and came back with a 74 while Ayala improved from an 80 to a sterling one-under 70 as both placed in a tie for eighth.

Senior Brendan Livingston (Westford, MA) placed 21st as he carded a 79-75—154 while sophomore Brandon Robinson (Hampstead, NH) placed 32nd with an 80-79—159.

Senior Matt Twomey (Salem, MA) capped UMass Lowell’s effort by shooting an 86-79—165 en route to a tie for 41st.

Daniel Ott of Wilmington College earned medalist honors with a 73-67—140. The field drew 55 players.

UMass Lowell enters the Northeast Invitational Championship, hosted by Post University, at the Wintonbury Hills Golf Club.