The Binghamton University golf team won its first tournament of the year, fighting off the environment, fatigue and 14 other teams to take first place at the rain-shortened Cornell Invitational.

“The hard work is paying off,” said Binghamton head coach Bernie Herceg.

Junior Jake Katz led the way yet again with a total score of 145, tying him for second overall.

“The guys respect Jake’s scores and he played well over the summer and in amateur events,” said Herceg. “His putting and game is coming together, and he is keeping his scores at a low level.”

After a third-place finish at St. Bonaventure University, the team took the next step in winning at Cornell.

“I was very excited, very happy with how the guys played,” said Herceg. “We’ve been working hard trying to get where we need to be to win events … and we scored well.”

After a strong first day, Binghamton’s lead was a whopping 11 strokes. But after blowing a first-day lead at the St. Bonaventure Invitational, and weather shortening the tournament by 18 strokes, Binghamton had to persevere to hold on to their final lead of seven strokes.

“It was a tough day,” Herceg said. “We had two rounds in one day, first thing Sunday morning at seven, and we finished the round in the dark. The guys have a lot of endurance; they kept the shots in front of them, and stayed positive.

Sophomore Michael Surdey, who was out all of last year due to injury, shot a 147 for the tournament.

“There is no doubt having Mike being a part of the lineup strengthens our team and program, and makes the team more competitive,” Herceg said. “Guys have to play better to get on our travel team. Mike is a great player and very consistent.”

Junior Andrew Marler and Patrick Donovan both shot 150 overall, tying them for 13th place.

With its first win out of the way, the team is on its way to achieving a goal it set at the beginning of the season.

“Our goal was to win four out of the six events; we started out with a good tune-up at Turning Stone and we should have won the St. Bonaventure Keenan Invitational,” Herceg said. “Our goal is to win the next three. Golf is golf, and sometimes there are bad breaks out there, but if they keep hitting quality shots, their clubs are going to talk.”