Junior Seth Trolia won the Bradley Invitational with a career-best second round 68, which fueled the men to a tie for third place overall.
Trolia claimed medal honors for the second time this year. He said that he enjoyed playing the course and thought that it laid out well for him.
“I hit the ball really well,” Trolia said. “It was my best ball striking all season, and it gave me a lot of opportunities for birdies.”
For his efforts, Triola was named MVC Golfer of the Week. It is the second time he received such an award this season, and the third in career. He joins former Braves golfer Andy Michaelson as the only three-time winner in program history.
The Braves ended in a tie for third place, seven strokes behind first place Evansville. The team led the tournament after the first round but couldn’t get a fourth score to keep them in the lead.
Senior Kyle Gunther shot a one-under 71 and followed that up with a four-over 76. Gunther finished one shot out of a top-10 finish and placed in a tie for 12. Junior Danny Masrin shot 75 in the first round and a one-over 73 in the second round to place in a tie for 14.
Senior Daniel Young was a shot behind Trolia and Gunther after the first round with an even par 72. He finished with an 80 in the second round. Sophomore Alex Shane shot a first-round 75 and also finished with an 80.
Freshmen Bobby Jacobs, John Fortuna and sophomore Garrett Cox entered the tournament as individuals. Jacobs finished in the top-20 for the second time this season. Cox shot his best round of the season with a two-over 74. Fortuna finished 46 with an overall score of 166.
“We really have progressed through the spring,” Coach Jeff Roche said. “They have done a good job of building things that we try to establish.”
The Bradley men will play in their final tournament before the Missouri Valley Conference Championship this weekend at the Bluegrass Invitational in Lexington, Ky. April 12 and 13.
The Bradley Invitational was scheduled for Weaver Ridge Golf Club, but the course did not open due to rain. The invitational was moved to Pekin Country Club and was a two-round tournament instead of the typical three.
For the women, sophomore Jenna Roadley shot a first-round 77, her best of the season, to lead the Braves in the first round.
Roadley finished in a tie for 17, with sophomore Danielle Lemek one shot behind her in a tie for 20. Lemek was six shots better in the second round with a team-best 76. Sophomore Allison Walsh also shot six shots better in the second round with a 78.
“If you let one bad round get to you, you won’t play well for the rest of the tournament,” Roadley said.
Freshman Paige Jordan placed in a tie for 34 shooting an overall 163 score. Junior Kat Mangieri shot a 78 in the first round, but finished the tournament with an 87.
It was a frustrating weekend for the women’s team. They had a lack of focus this weekend and playing a new course for the first time, Coach Mary Swanson said.
“We will have an opportunity to bounce back this weekend,” Swanson said.
The women will travel to Terre Haute, Ind. for the Indiana State Spring Invitational April 13 and 14. This will be the last tournament before the Missouri Valley Conference Championship the following week.
