Results

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Sophomore Aidan O'Donovan shot one-over par in the second of two rounds to lead the Rhode Island contingent on the opening day of the Rutherford Invitational Saturday.

O'Donovan – playing in his first competition in nearly a month – was outstanding in his return. With five birdies on the day, he ended the day 3-over par, good for 12th place in the field of 78.

As a team, the Rams are in a tie for ninth in the 14-team field. Rhode Island suffered a blow when freshman Josiah Tong had to withdraw from the tournament with a knee injury.

However, O'Donovan, freshman Seb Carlsson, graduate student Bryson Richards and senior Geronimo Narizzano were about to grind out competitive rounds.

Carlsson continued his strong play of late, ending the day in a tie for 27th place. After a first-round 77, he was just 2-over in the second round.

Richards struggled more than usual and is 10-over par heading into the final round. However, in the opening round, he aced the par-3 eighth hole for the first hole-in-one of his collegiate career. It was the fifth ace overall for Richards.

Narizzano posted a plus-4 75 in the second round to move up the leaderboard into a tie for 51st place.

Host Penn State (580) leads Connecticut (582), Valparaiso (586), Delaware (592) and Eastern Michigan (593) at the top of the team standings. Rhode Island and Temple are tied at 601, eight strokes out of the top five.

The teams will play 18 holes on Sunday.

Head coach Gregg Burke said…
"Aidan gave us a great day. It was such a joy to see him come back and play with no pressure or distractions. He stayed in the moment on every shot.
 
"Seb was terrific as well. For a young man who came in with so little tournament experience and lacking a lot of the shots he now developing, what he did his last three rounds for us is amazing.
 
"When we had to withdraw Josiah with a knee injury, Aidan, Seb, and Geronimo really showed the toughness we need to be successful.
 
"Aside from the hole-in-one Bryson struggled. But I never worry about him.  He is the ultimate competent he will have a great day tomorrow."

Team Standings (Day One)
1. Penn State – 293-287-580
2. Connecticut – 290-292-582
3. Valparaiso – 303-283-586
4. Delaware – 302-290-592
5. Eastern Michigan – 297-296-593
6. George Mason – 301-293-594
7. FGCU – 303-293-596
8. Georgetown – 302-296-598
t9. Rhode Island – 304-297-601
t9. Temple – 306-295-601
11. Towson – 303-299-602
12. St. Bonaventure – 309-297-606
13. Colgate – 311-312-613
14. Binghamton – 314-308-622