The Colgate golf team fought off a weekend full of Mother Nature’s best, as it garnered a tenth place finish at the Lafayette Invitational. Nineteen teams participated in the event, and Binghamton University took home the title. Colgate was also bested by two Patriot League foes, Lehigh and Lafayette.

“The weather was a major factor this past weekend in keeping a tight field after the first day,” sophomore Ben Jessen said. “The second day we were in good shape halfway through the round, but some shots went awry down the stretch.”

Jessen and sophomore Josh Spellman led the way for the squad, each posting two-day scores of 153. Although they ended up tied, both players took different routes to get there. Jessen struggled to an 81 his first day before dazzling the crowd with an even par 72 over the next 18, while Spellman stayed more consistent, posting a 79-74. Right behind his youthful teammates was senior David Ake, who shot a 156 over the two days. Rounding out the squad were Neil Thompson and Jack

Linehan, posting a 166 and 163, respectively.

The Raiders will return to the links next weekend when they travel down to Anapolis for the Navy Invitational.

“We are definitely improving this spring and I think everyone is on the verge of putting together a full 36 holes for a good result this

weekend,” Jessen said.

Contact Mitch Waxman at [email protected].