Results

LAFAYETTE HILL, Pa. – Bryson Richards won his sixth career individual title while leading Rhode Island into the championship bracket of Drexel's Dragon Match Play Invitational Monday.

Richards – who won his third title of the year – was eight-under par over the 36 holes played on the opening day. After a strong finish saw him shoot one under in the first round, Richards fired a seven-under 64 in the afternoon round, earning medalist honors by two strokes over Drexel's Drue Nicholas.

Richards was spectacular in the second round, sinking eight birdies overall. From holes two through seven, he carded five birds.

After a slow start to the event, Rhode Island showed dramatic improvement in the second round. After an opening-round team score of 291, the Rams cut 11 strokes off their score in Round Two, going four-under par as a team.

In addition to Richards, freshman Josiah Tong finished in fourth place during the stroke play portion of the event. He was one-under par in both rounds and gave URI a strong 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup.

Freshman Seb Carlsson was the third-leading scorer for Rhode Island. He was three-over in both rounds, finishing in a tie for 25th on the leaderboard. After a rough plus-nine opening round, freshman Tony Liu rebounded to give the team a one-over 72 in the second round. The Rams will not have Liu available in the match play rounds on Tuesday.

By placing second in the team standings, Rhode Island advanced to the championship bracket for Tuesday's semifinal match play round. The Rams face fellow Atlantic 10 school St. Bonaventure. The winner will battle to winner of Drexel-La Salle in the finals Tuesday afternoon.

Team Standings (Stroke Play)
1. Drexel – 285-282-567
2. Rhode Island – 291-280-571
3. St. Bonaventure – 294-280-571
4. La Salle – 293-291-584
5. Robert Morris – 294-292-586
6. Towson – 294-295-589
7. Lafayette (A) – 301-293-594
8. Lafayette (B) – 309-307-616

Head coach Gregg Burke said…
"Bryson was spectacular in the afternoon round. This is his sixth individual win at URI, which is remarkable.

"Josiah continues to show glimpses of just how great he'll be. He has to tighten up just a few things to be the superstar he is destined to be.

"Seb has improved by leaps and bounds. To finish third in the team proves how good he has become.

"Tony was disqualified in the first round. He won't be playing in the match play portion of the event."