Mids Stand 16th at Wolfpack Intercollegiate

Oct. 4, 2010

â€¢ 2010 Wolfpack Intercollegiate - Day 1 Results

RALEIGH, N.C. - Led by senior team captain Ben Hayes' (Carmichael, Calif.) 36-hole 4-over par 146, the Navy golf team stands 16th out of 17 teams at the talent-packed Wolfpack Intercollegiate held Monday at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course in Raleigh, N.C. The Mids put together rounds of 304 (+20) and 296 (+12) to settle in two strokes behind Western Carolina (309-289=598) and three behind Francis Marion (297-300=597) in 14th.

"I thought we had some highlights throughout the day," said Navy head coach Pat Owen. "Peter (Reilly) and Tim (Shield) kept us in contention in the first round and then Ben (Hayes), Rob (Merkert) and David (Hall) did their part in the second round. Hopefully all five of our players will come out and give a great effort tomorrow.

"This tournament has provided our players with the opportunity to play with some of the premier players on the East Coast. It's a terrific chance for our players to play alongside these players and help improve their skills. We're looking forward to tomorrow's final round and improving our scores."

Hayes opened the tournament with a 5-over par 76, but carded the Mids' low round of the event with a 1-under par 70 to settle into a tie for 32nd among the field of 89 players.

Both senior Rob Merkert (Severna Park, Md.) and freshman David Hall (Huntersville, N.C.) struggled in the opening round, but quickly recovered with solid second-round marks. Merkert was 8-over after the first 18 holes, but came back to shoot 2-over in the second. He will begin Tuesday's final round in 71st with a 10-over par 152. Hall, meanwhile, was behind the eight ball immediately after scoring a 10-over par in the opening round. To his credit, he battled back in the afternoon where he posted a 2-over par 73 to finish the day 12-over and in 77th place.

Junior Peter Reilly (Merrimack, N.H.) opened the day with a 2-over par 73, but his day took an ugly turn in the afternoon session when he posted an 11-over par 82 to complete the first 36 holes with a 13-over par 155 and in 81st place. Junior Tim Shield (Grosse Pointe Park, Mich.) finished a stroke behind Reilly in 82nd posting a two-round 14-over par 156.

Nationally-ranked Duke holds a three-stroke lead over NC State to lead the way with a 10-under par 558 (283-275). Maryland (282-283=565) is within striking distance in third, while Wake Forest (290-277=567) and East Carolina (280-290=570) round out the top five. Meanwhile, NC State freshman Albin Choi distanced himself from the pack with his 7-under par 135. Four players are tied for second, all from different programs, with a 4-under par 138.

Play resumes Tuesday with the final 18 holes on tap for a 8:00 am start. The Mids, who will be paired up with Wake Forest and George Mason, will tee off on the back nine. Live scoring is available for the final round at www.GolfStat.com.

### Go Navy ###