Oct. 19, 2010
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Final Results
BREWSTER, Mass. -- A late run of birdies by Rhody golfers helped clinch the 76th Annual New England Intercollegiate Golf Association (NEIGA) fall championship. The tournament was was held at The Captain's Course (par 72, 6,610 yards).
The Rams held off a second round surge by Connecticut to take the team title by one stroke. URI compiled a two-day, 36-hole score of 585 (297-288).
It marked the 14th NEIGA title - and the 11th team trophy in the last 14 years under Hall of Fame head coach Tom Drennan - in Rhode Island golf program history.
"The guys were awesome - everyone played a hero role over the two days," Drennan said. "John Kelly just missed a playoff for medalist and we had some great rounds from Patrick Pelletier, Taylor Fontaine, Andrew Fiorenzano in his first tournament with us, and Branden Chicorka. It is a very satisfiying win."
Kelly finished in a tie for third place, just one stroke behind the leaders. The senior carded a 1-under 71 in Monday's first round, followed by a 1-over 73.
Fontaine continued his solid play, carding a team-best round of 70 on Tuesday which pushed him into a tie for fifth place. He had a two-day score of 145 (75-70).
Chicorka followed up his first round 73 with a 75 on Tuesday, putting him into a tie for 10th place (73-75=148). Patrick Pelletier rallied during the second round, carding a 1-under 71. He finished in 15th place (79-71=150). Andrew Fiorenzano tied for 20th place (78-74=152), compiling a solid second round score of 74.
Adam Vaccari of Connecticut won the individual title in the second playoff hole. He had a score of 143 over the 36-hole tournament.
"This year's New England championship was personally satisfiying. It was special to go out a winner and have the team play so well throughout the tournament," added Drennan.
"It was especially meaningful because we dedicated the tournament to Harry Amaral, who died this past Sunday and who meant so much to all of us in the URI golf program, the URI athletics department and the university community as a whole."
Rhode Island closes out its 2010 fall season and will return to competition from March 3-6, 2011 at the USF Invitational in Dade City, Fla.
