A recurring theme the 2008 Binghamton University men’s golf team has dealt with has been adverse weather conditions affecting tournament play.

Whereas in the first two tournaments the weather led to positive outcomes, this past weekend at the America Sky Conference Tournament it became a major detractor, as the Bearcats finished in sixth place in the seven-team tournament held at the Ballymeade Country Club in North Falmouth, Mass.

Hurricane Kyle was the culprit this time, as the rainy conditions canceled the practice round and the first round of the three-day tournament, leaving the Bearcats stuck in the hotel for 2 1/2 days. The second day of the tournament was also delayed due to wet course conditions.

“We didn’t adapt too well to the situation,” said head coach Bernie Herceg.

When the America Sky Tournament finally began, the Bearcats struggled to a team total of 311, 15 strokes off the pace of leader Sacramento State. Individually, though, sophomores Andrew Marler and Jake Katz fired very respectable rounds of 75 on the soggy course.

On the final day, the Bearcats refocused their efforts.

“Our goal was to improve our scores and make a run at the leader … we were down 15 strokes; if we played well, you never know what could happen,” Herceg said.

Binghamton did improve their team score, led by Andrew Marler’s excellent round of 73 and junior Patrick Donovan’s round of 75, but it wasn’t enough as the Bearcats shot a team score of 309 to finish at a tournament total of 620. Sacramento State held on to win the tournament with a team score of 589.

Individually, Marler’s tournament score of 148 was good for fifth place and a spot on the America Sky All-Conference team.

“Definitely without a doubt the most improved player from last year,” Herceg said.

The America Sky Tournament was held in conjunction with the Hawks Invitational, which was won by Baylor University with a team score of 10 under 566. The individual champion was Matt Hill from North Carolina State, who shot a 13 under 131. Binghamton finished in 21st place, with Marler finishing in 25th place individually.

Binghamton looks to bounce back this weekend at the Yale MacDonald Cup in New Haven, Conn., an event which Bearcats have had success at in the past, winning multiple times over the past decade.

Tee-off is set for 7:30 a.m. tomorrow, Oct. 4.