UPPERCO, Md. -- With depth in the roster and depth in talent in recent years, the Bridgewater men's golf team has created a tradition of sending a B Team to play multiple events each season. On Monday the Eagles sent their second squad to the Stevenson Fall Invitational, and the Eagles placed fifth among seven squads at Piney Branch Golf Club..
 
"We are fortunate to have the support at Bridgewater not just to carry a large roster," said head coach John Rogers, "but to provide playing time for everyone. College golf is one of the toughest formats in this game and it takes a while for young players to acclimate, so it's crucial that we get them on the golf course, especially under conditions like today -- slick greens and wind blowing -- because it's so typical of college tournaments. Today we were able to get three freshmen and three sophomores some experience that will help ensure they contribute to the program in the years ahead."
 
The Eagles were led by a pair of freshmen, Jack Thome and Andrew Baugher, who managed the tough, undulating greens at Piney Branch well enough to turn in a pair of 80s.Thome felt good about his full swing while Baugher credited his wedge-play for saving strokes. The pair tied for 14th among thirty seven players.
 
Freshman Brandon Washburn had six three-putts and was not pleased with his swing, but he salvaged an 81 which was good for a top-20 finish (t-19).
 
Sophomore Cole Miller rounded out the Bridgewater team score of 328 with his total of 87 strokes. He described his round as a struggle, but also said he grinded until the end.
 
Sophomores Darien Smith and Max Kingora were both coming off collegiate career-bests when they arrived at Piney Branch, but as assistant coach Mike Clark pointed out, this was a tough course to "play blind", meaning the team did not have a practice round. Smith birdied the last hole to shoot 89 while Kingora posted 94. 
 
"Events like this pay dividends down the road, regardless of scores on the card today," noted Clark.
 
The host team from Stevenson won the event, shooting 308 under the leadership of medalist Sean Dowd (70).