Kingston, N.Y. - The St. Thomas Aquinas Men's Golf team took on nine Division I opponents this weekend at the Roar-EE Invitational hosted by Columbia University at Wiltwyck Golf Club. The team came out firing during round 1, shooting 285 (-3). Leading the charge was senior Nolan Skaggs who continued his hot play, carding a bogey free 66 (-6). Fellow senior Tanner Little fired a 2 under par 70, while Djaia Darrason carded a round of 74 (+2). Rounding out the team scoring was Diego Ocasio who grinded out a round of 75 (+3). The teams score of 285 left them tied for the lead with Dartmouth College. 

During the second round of play, the winds picked up and rain rolled through the area. After playing their first 12 holes +8 as a team and dropping into 3rd place, the Spartans came alive. Djaia Darrason played a bogey free -3 back nine to shot 71 (-1) in round 2. Nolan Skaggs made the turn at +2, but fought back to shoot even par 72. Skaggs 36-hole score of 138 (-6) was good for a second straight victory in the 68 player field. Tanner Little battled all round and managed to birdie holes 15 and 17 to put together a final round 74 (+2) while Diego Ocasio fought for a final round 76. The team's final round score of 293 (+5) was good enough for a 2 shot victory over Lafayette College. 

This is the Spartans first victory in an all Division I event after many close calls over the years. Coach Ferrara commented, "We are thankful for schools like Columbia who let us showcase our skills as a Division II program. I am proud of the determination and grit the boys showed out there today."

The team is back in action on Monday, April 21 at the two-day East/Atlantic Regional Preview at Whispering Woods Golf Club in Erie, Pa.