Belle Vernon, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's golf team placed eighth in the California Invitational, hosted by California (Pa.) Sunday and Monday at Cedarbrook Golf Course.

 

The Lakers were in fourth place after day one's action, as the team totaled 294 strokes Sunday. Mercyhurst shot 329 Monday and finished eighth in the team standings.

 

Indiana (Pa.) University edged Clarion, 576-581, for the team championship, while Clarion's Jared Schmader took medalist honors with 139 strokes over the two rounds. He beat IUP's Gavin Smith in a playoff for first place.

 

Senior Tyler Bidwell had a successful tournament, tying for fourth place overall. He shot a two-under par 69 in the first round and added a 76 in the second round to finish with 145 strokes. Matt Mahoney was the Lakers' next-best finisher, shooting 72 on Sunday and 83 Monday for a total of 155 to tie for 29^th place overall.

 

Colin Farrabaugh shot a 74 Sunday before scoring an 87 Monday and tied for 46^th on the tournament. Luke Keding finished off Mercyhurst's team scoring with rounds of 79 and 83 for 162 strokes, tying with teammate Patrick Jackson for 48^th place.

 

Michael Sito shot 158 over the two-day tournament and finished tied for 40^th. Garrett Kimple shot 164 in tying for 50^th place, and Michael Wayner placed 61^st with 196 strokes.

 

The men's golf team will host the Mercyhurst Invitational Saturday and Sunday.