Mariners Second After First Round at MASCAC Championship
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Mitchell College sits in second place after the first round of play at the 2021 MASCAC Men's Golf Championship on Monday afternoon at Berkshire Hills Country Club.
With the course battling water issues due to steady rain, the opening round was shortened to nine holes. Salem State University leads the field of eight schools with a team score of 158, with both Mitchell (165) and Springfield College (166) within striking distance.
Due to the rain, a number of holes on the course's front side were unplayable, so all golfers started at 10 and played the back nine. Despite the wet conditions, players were able to attack greens and feasted on three par-5 layouts.
Salem State's Brian Cannata leads the field of 38 golfers heading into the final round, posting an even-par round of 37. His lone bogey of the afternoon came at the 14th hole, but he promptly birdied the next hole to get back to even.
A pair of Mitchell golfers were right on his heels. Michael McCarthy is two shots off the lead following a round of 39, capping his day with a birdie on the par-5 18th. Nick Knisel also carded a birdie—his came on the par-5 15th—en route to a 40 and a tie for third place.
Shamus McLean and Jack Hayes rounded out the scoring for the Mariners. McLean got off to a rough start but turned things around with a birdie on 15. He then shot even par over the final three holes to card a 42 and is tied for 12th. Hayes played a steady round and is tied for 17that 44.
A final round of 18 holes is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5 at Berkshire Hills Country Club. A shotgun start is slated for 8:30 a.m.