GAMBIER, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers turned in a mixed performance at the Kenyon College Invitational, one of two fall tournaments that count toward the final 2007-08 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) standings. Wittenberg finished fifth among the eight NCAC teams entered in the 36-hole competition.
Powered by a one-under-par 35 on the front nine, Wittenberg junior Garrett Smith (Powell, Ohio/Worthington Christian) carded a 75 on Day 1 to stand just two shots off the lead. He was one of 12 players within three strokes of the lead heading into Sunday's final round at Apple Valley Golf Club in Howard, Ohio. He wound up a deceiving 14th with a 152, just four strokes off the winning score.
Sophomore Andrew Flint (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore) was the only other Tiger player to score below 80 in the first round as he finished with a 79. He added a 78 on Day 2 for a respectable two-day total of 157. Junior Dan Buchan (Dublin, Ohio/Worthington Christian) added an 80 on Day 1 and then was the Tigers' big mover over the final 18 holes as he carded a team-best 76 to finish 19th overall with a 156.
The Tigers ended the weekend 36 strokes behind perennial powerhouse Ohio Wesleyan in the team standings. Wittenberg wound up 13 strokes behind Wooster and Denison, teams which tied for third place. A total of four regular season tournaments and the annual NCAC Championship Tournament will contribute to the final 2007-08 NCAC golf standings. The Tigers placed third a year ago.