Men's Golf

Second Day Performance Leads Men's Golf To Strong Showing At NAIA Classic

Team & Individual Results

Bethel College Pilots: 10
NAIA Classic

Game Summary

Playing in a field that featured 11 of the top 30 teams in the nation, the Bethel College men’s golf team finished strong on Tuesday and snared a 10th place finish in the NAIA Classic at Brickyard Crossing. Normally 10th place would be a disappointment, but Bethel’s strong second day put them right in contention, finishing only 5 strokes out of 4th place and ahead of four higher ranked teams. The Pilots delivered one of the best scores of day two, shooting a team score of 296.

With temperatures in the low 40’s and a constant mix of wind and rain, Bethel struggled a bit on day one with a 305, but was sparked by the play of Eric Lebold, who fired a dazzling 2 under par 70 and Jon Enfield, who added a collegiate best 75.

Day two saw two more Pilots man—up in the cold weather to sizzle their scorecards, as Eric Carnacchi delivered his collegiate best score of 70, while Greg Lebold matched his best score as a Pilot with 75. Eric Lebold, who finished 6th overall in the 75 man field, added a 74 and Jon Bonfiglio added 77.

“I am very proud of the way we responded today considering the extreme conditions and the caliber of the teams in this tournament,” said Bethel coach Chris Hess. “We have been working hard this spring with an ultimate goal of winning our conference tournament, so hopefully we can use our performance this week as momentum going into the MCC Championship in 2 weeks,” added Hess. “Eric Lebold continues to play very consistent golf and it was very exciting to see the play of Eric Carnacchi, Greg Lebold and Jon Enfield. We have a lot of talent on this team and if we play with confidence, we can be a very competitive team.”

The Pilots will next compete in the MCC Tournament on April 27—28 at Rock Hollow Golf Course in Peru, IN. The winner of the conference tourney will receive an automatic birth in the NAIA National Championship, held May 19—22 in Silvis, IL at the TPC Deere Run.