Conaway leads the way as Malvern Prep surges to victory in Episcopal Academy Invitational at Merion's West Course

    With freshman Davis Conaway leading the way with a sparkling 1-under-par 34 on the front nine of Merion Golf Club’s West Course, Malvern Prep swept to a victory in the Episcopal Academy Invitational Wednesday.

   The win by the Friars in the second of the Inter-Ac League’s six invitationals that comprise the regular-season schedule created a three-way tie atop the league standings among Malvern Prep, defending champion Germantown Academy and The Haverford School.

   Conaway had birdies on a couple of the short par-4s on Merion West’s front nine, the first and the eighth holes, as he helped the Friars put together a solid 182 total, three shots clear of runnerup Haverford School with GA another nine shots behind the Fords in third place with a 194 total.

   Sophomore Michael Henry and junior Shane Powelson backed up Conaway for Malvern Prep, each carding a 1-over 36.

   Thomas Ploszay, another freshman, posted a 3-over 38 and Malvern head coach Gary Duda could take his pick for the Friars’ final counter as senior Will Aprachamian and sophomore Brody Bell each signed for a 4-over 39.

   Leading the way for Haverford School, which finished with a 185 total, were sophomore J.P. Hoban and freshman Sean Curran, both of whom registered a 1-over 36.

   Junior Ajeet Bagga posted a 3-over 38 to lead the way for Germantown Academy, which had opened defense of its Inter-Ac title by winning the first invitational of the fall at its home course, Bluestone Country Club.

   It was the second straight runnerup finish for Haverford School, which also placed second at Bluestone.

   That means Malvern Prep, GA and Haverford School are tied for first place, each sitting at 8-2 following the first two invitationals.

   Penn Charter, which finished in fourth place at Merion West with a 191 total, is fourth in the standings with a 4-6 record.

   Episcopal Academy, which finished in fifth place on its home course at Merion West with a 202 total, is fifth in the team standings with a 2-8 mark. The Churchmen were led at Merion West by junior Hunter Stetson with a 3-over 38. Stetson captured the Bert Linton Inter-Ac individual crown last fall at Bluestone.

   Springside Chestnut Hill Academy finished in sixth place at Merion West with a 224 total and remains winless following two invitationals with an 0-10 mark.