This past weekend at the Rutgers Invitational the Villanova golf team placed tenth out of 13 teams with a score of 295. The Lions of Columbia, who shot an even par 852, ended up winning the team tournament four strokes ahead of St. John’s.The Wildcats were led by freshmen Doug Stadler who capped off his first ever collegiate tournament with a two-under-par 69 on Saturday. After posting the second best score on the tournament’s final day, Stadler was awarded with team medalist honors.

Even though the best score on the team was over seven par, Stadler believes the Wildcats’ great team chemistry helped them win the tournament. Still, the freshman acknowledges that there is need for improvement.

“I wish I had played better my first two rounds, and I wish I played the kind of golf I know that I am capable of playing,” Stadler said. “I know that I improved in the final round with a 69, but I still felt that I left several shots on the course.”

Other notable Wildcats this weekend included senior Jonathan Hewitt and junior Steve Arnold, who each shot 75 in the team tournament’s final round.

Senior Colin Mahon competed as an individual and tied for a 30th place finish. Mahon’s score of 221 was the lowest score out of the six Wildcats who played in the tournament as individuals.

In three rounds, the team averaged 74.14, which was an improvement over last year’s performance at the same tournament.

“The Wildcats are better than a tenth place team this season,” Stadler guaranteed

Villanova returns to action today and tomorrow at the St. John’s/McLaughlin at Bethpage Red Course in Farmingdale, NY.