Farmingdale, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas Men's Golf team started the season with a victory at the George Cangero Invitational hosted by SUNY Farmingdale State at the Bethpage Red Course. The Spartans were able to overcome a one shot deficit over Franklin & Marshall during the final round of play.

During round 1, the team was led by sophomore Nolan Skaggs who played an stellar round of golf, posting a 3-unde rpar 67. Right behind Skaggs was junior Donte Groppuso who carded a bogey free round of 68. Newcomers Djaia Darrason and Jarred Huggins contributed immediately in their first action as Spartans, shooting 72 and 74 respectively. Rounding out the team scoring was sophomore Mario Mojarro Monge who shot a round of 74. With a team score of 1 over 281, the Spartans sat one shot behind the leaders from Franklin & Marshall.  

During round 2, the winds picked up at Bethpage making conditions much more challenging for the team, but not for Djaia Darrason. Darrason played a spectacular round of golf and carded a tournament low round of 66 with bridies on holes 3, 10, 16 and 18. Donte Groppuso grinded all day on the Red and managed to card a solid round of 72. Jarred Huggins played a steady round of golf shooting 73, with only two blemishes on his card and 16 pars. Nolan Skaggs was able to battle to shoot a round of 74 while Mario Mojarro Monge struggled, shooting a round of 80. The Spartans team score of 285 was good enough to leap frog Franklin & Marshall for a 5 shot victory. Djaia Darrason's two-day score of 138 (72-66) earned him a runner-up finish while Donte Groppuso's 140 (68-72) was good for a T-3 finish. Nolan Skaggs finished T5 with a two score of 141 (67-74), while Jarred Huggins 147 (74-73) was good enough for a T17. Mario Mojarro Monge's 154 (74-80) left him in a tie for 39th place.

The Spartans are back in action next week at the Penmen Fall Invitational hosted by Southern New Hampshire University.