MIDDLEBURY, Vt. - Williams competed in a deep field at Middlebury's Duke Nelson Invitational, enjoying a strong second day en route to a tie for seventh place in the 20-team field.
The Ephs were in 12th after shooting +24 on the first day, and were +15 on Sunday to move up in the field into a tie with NYU and Hartford. Last year's NESCAC Champion Amherst won the event at +16.
"I am proud of how our young team played this weekend," said head coach Josh Hillman. "We started two first years, two sophomores and just one senior. Two of the five student-athletes have never seen the Ralph Myhre Golf Course and that put us at a severe disadvantage. Our guys handled it very, very well and our short game saved us. We finished strong on Sunday and we were able to climb four spots to seventh place in a strong field."
Jack Estrella had the best weekend for the Ephs, shooting a 76-75 on the par-71 course, finishing in a tie for 24th overall. John Pagano shot a 74 to lead the team on Saturday. Hunter Justice had a 73 on Sunday, Williams' best mark on the course this weekend.
Owen Barber and Nick Smith both made their collegiate debuts for the Ephs this weekend, and the first-years were especially strong on Sunday, with Barber shooting a 75 and his classmate Smith just one stroke back.
"Overall we are playing well and are excited to play at home this weekend," said Hillman. "With the new format, we feel we have the advantage and can put together three solid rounds at Taconic."
Williams will host at Taconic Golf Club next weekend, in a tournament with a smaller field and the new format of 36 holes on Saturday and 18 on Sunday.
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