By Colin Fields
Writer
Coming off a team trip to California over spring break, Ben Mattingly ’11 fired a one-under-71 on the second day of the C&F Bank Intercollegiate at Kingsmill Tuesday to lead all Bison. Dan Bernard ’13 shot two consecutive rounds below 80 at William and Mary’s home course. Schulyer Stitzer ’14 shot a four-over-par 76 on the second day of his spring debut with the Bison.
“I feel like the entire team is once again capable of playing well after the long off season, but we are still maintaining a bit of rust,” Mattingly said. “Personally, I am satisfied with the way I played at William and Mary, especially the second day of the tournament. I have more confidence now with the putter than I have had in at least a year.”
Mattingly rallied on Tuesday, the second day of the match and shaved 12 strokes off of his day one total. The senior fought through the wet conditions at Kingsmill to turn in the first below-par score of 2011 for the Orange and Blue.
“I know that our team is only going to get better as the season progresses, especially with being able to use the new indoor practice facility. Everyone seems to have really positive attitudes right now, and we are ready to build off our performance of this past tournament,” Mattingly said.
The Bison get to reap the benefits of a brand-new practice facility which allows both men’s and women’s teams to practice in the worst of conditions. The facility is designed to help players practice during some of the rough patches of weather in the early spring season.
Bernard also improved on his day-one score by shooting a four-over 76, leaving him just one stroke behind Mattingly for the two days combined. The sophomore proved to be a consistent threat for the Bison, as the only player who scored in the 70s for both rounds.
Stitzer opened his first spring campaign with an 82 on Monday but would shave six strokes off his day one score in the next round. Stitzer’s 76 on Tuesday was tied with Bernard for the second best score of the day, while conquering the cold and wet conditions at Kingsmill.
The Bison will be back in action on April 2 at the Wilmington Invitational in Delaware.
