St. John's University Athletics
St. John's University
Ironwood Invitational
Red Storm Takes Title In Carolina
4/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
April 6, 2008
Queens, N.Y. - The St. John's men's golf team, four-under, 572 (294, 278) took the title at the Ironwood Invitational in Greenville, N.C. The tournament, which was initially three days, was shortened to only two rounds due to inclement weather.
"It was big to shoot the way we did," said head coach Frank Darby. "This puts us back in the hunt for seeding in postseason play. It was team effort and they all played great."
The Red Storm finished 10 strokes ahead of second place Newberry College, six-over 582 (286, 296) and 11 in front of Francis Marion University, seven-over 583 (295, 288). Host East Carolina finished fifth with a nine-over 585 (295,290).
All-America candidate Keegan Bradley was phenomenal for the Red Storm. The senior won his second tournament of the spring season with a six-under 138 (72, 66). The senior co-captain's 66 in the second round was the lowest score of the tournament. Bradley did share a tie of the lead with Ben Lown of Newberry College who also shot a six-under 138 (69, 69).
"This was a must win tournament for us and we did just that," said Bradley. "It was a real team effort. I played well and everyone else stepped up with the team being in posistion for a postseason run."
Sophomore sensation Mike Ballo Jr. continued his streak of placing in the top-20 this spring season. Ballo finished in a tie for 16th overall with one-over 145 (76, 69). Ballo's 69 in the second round was the third lowest score of the tournament. Ballo finished with the third lowest round because he was beat out by his teammate, sophomore Dan Mollicone who recorded a 68 on the final day of play.
The Red Storm's top-20 finishers were rounded out by sophomore Evan Beirne. The transfer student gave his best performance this season, finishing tied for 18th with a 2-over 146 (71, 75).
St. John's heads to Princeton for its final event before the BIG EAST Championship. The Princeton Invitational will be held at the Springdale golf course on April 11-12.
