Gannon sophomore Michael Marsico grabbed the final individual qualifying spot Saturday for the NCAA Division II Golf Championships with a 54-hole total of 4-over-par 220 at the Atlantic/East Regional tournament played at Totteridge Golf Club near Greensburg.
Marsico, a Fox Chapel graduate, shot 73, 74 and 73 over the 7,154-yard layout to take the fourth spot. He is Gannon’s first player to advance to nationals since Matt Barto (Leechburg) in 2015. Matt Paradis of Southern New Hampshire was medalist at 5-under 211 (67-70-74), while Owen Elliott of Shepherd finished second at 214 (71-74-69) and Wilmington’s Ryan Rucinski was third at 219 (74-73-72).
This guys has been saying for months he was going to the national championship. His belief and relentless work ethic made that dream a reality! Hard work pays off! Way to go, Mike! #Notdoneyet #NextstopWV pic.twitter.com/bPPdH4z3a9
— Gannon Men's Golf (@Gannon_Golf) May 12, 2019
Three teams also advanced to nationals: Southern New Hampshire (899), Bentley (901) and Wilmington (903).
Gannon posted its best regional finish in program history (fourth).
The national tournament will be May 20-22 at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, W. Va.
