Haverford School gets jump in Inter-Ac race with pair of invitational victories

   The Inter-Ac League season got going this week with a pair of the invitational events that make up the regular season and defending champion Haverford School took control of the race in the early going with a couple of narrow wins over Malvern Prep.

   The Fords, behind individual medalist David Hurly, a native of South Africa, finished first in the invitational hosted by Springside Chestnut Hill Academy at Sunnybrook Golf Club Tuesday.

Hurly carded a 2-under 34 as Haverford School’s top five scores added up to 185. Malvern Prep was just two shots behind the Fords at 187.

   Malvern Prep had five scores of 38 or better, but just couldn’t get by a talented and experienced Haverford School group.

   Three Friars, John Updike, who has been one of the Inter-Ac’s best players for four years, Matt Civitella and Ryan Kennedy, each carded a 1-over 37 to lead the way for Malvern Prep. Andrew Curran and Kevin Hagan were just a shot behind them as each posted a 38.

   Episcopal Academy finished third with a 194 total behind junior Jacob Zeng, who was just a shot behind Hurly with a 1-under 35. The Churchmen’s senior co-captains, Robbie Copit and Michael Zeng each had a solid 3-over 39, senior A.J. Rauscher added a 40 and senior James LeRoux was the final counter with a 41. Sophomore Shane Lawler carded a 43.

   Malvern Prep hosted an invitational at Waynesborough Country Club Wednesday and the Friars fired an outstanding 182, only to see Haverford School outduel them with a 179. That’s an average score of a little less than 36 a man for the Fords. Pretty strong.

   Updike was outstanding with a 2-under 33, but that only gave him a share of medalist honors for the day with Haverford School seniors Peter Garno and Mac Costin, both of whom matched Updike’s 2-under total.

   Civitella added a 1-under 34, Curran and Hagan each posted a 38 and freshman Henry Fish chipped in with a 39.

   Episcopal again settled for third place with a 190 total as Jacob Zeng again led the way with an even-par 35.

   Rauscher added a solid 1-over 36 and LeRoux had another strong showing with a 2-over 37. Michael Zeng and Lawler rounded out the counters as each posted a 41. Copit carded a 44.