The Pitt-Johnstown men's golf team turned in a 17-over 305 to land in 7th place after day one of the NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Regional at the challenging Whispering Woods Golf Club in Erie.
The Mountain Cats, who came in ranked 4th in the Atlantic Region, find themselves just 11 strokes behind leader Davis & Elkins in the 20-team field that included four other Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference teams. Aidan Talent, of Davis & Elkins, concluded the day in first with a 4-under 68.Â
At minimum, the top three teams and the top two individual golfers not on advancing teams from the regional will move on to the finals, set for May 19–23 at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Justin Scally shot a 2-over par 74 to close the day tied for 11th with seven other players. Eli Ropietski, Mario Battaglia and Lucas Smith all fired a 5-over par 77 to tie 11 other players for 32nd place. Mauricio Hernandez carded a 6-over 78 to check in tied for 46th place.
The second and third rounds of the regional are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with the Mountain Cats beginning to successively tee-off at 10 a.m.
