MEDIA, PA: (April 11, 2012) - After playing in difficult and frustrating conditions early this spring, the Arcadia University Golf team broke out to new heights today, behind second and third overall scores from Colin Pippert '15 and Will LaRiccia '15, and finished in a tie for 1st place with host Widener University at the Springhaven Country Club (Par 70, 6518 Yds.).

Today's match was a Tri-Match with third place Eastern University shooting a 366 with the Knights and Pride out-stroking the Eagles by 21.

"This marks a big effort for the young golf program," says head coach Rick Brownell  "We've been waiting for our scores to better represent our young talent. The players have been working hard to improve this spring and were able to put some scores together today."

On another windy but much nicer day on the links at Springhaven,  Pippert, the team's No. 1 golfer, led the team for the 2nd straight tournament with an 82.  Even more impressive, was how the first year finished today's round, shooting an eye-popping 1-over par (36) on the back nine.  Coach Brownell was extremely impressed with his first year's efforts, noting, "Colin's front nine was not near to his potential but he fought back for his best collegiate 9-hole effort to date.  He's proving to be quite a leader on and off the course with his hard work, dedication to the game and quiet, yet effective leadership."

Although Pippert's 82 placed him in a close second by only 1-stroke for his individual score, the big star of the day was Arcadia's No. 5  player, Lariccia.  "Will had some difficulty with his swing earlier this week," Brownell revealed.  "He fell short of finishing Monday's round, but demonstrated a straggering turn-around performance this afternoon."  Today, with some minor adjustments before the match, Will championed his way to an impressive 84.  "Will can barely practice because he has such a cumbersome academic schedule, so we weren't expecting such a contribution.  All we did was work on his stance and on range and Will did the rest...  just remarkable!"

Dan Schiffert '15 shot an 89, Shannon Massott '14 carded a 90 and Corey Cedermark '13 made his way to a 96 through the single round of 18, with all players contributing to one of the program's best efforts of late.

The team has the rest of the week off and will head back to the links to compete next Tuesday, April 17 at Ursinus.