Haverford School remains atop Inter-Ac standings by pulling out another close victory

   Reigning Inter-Ac League champion Haverford School pulled out its third tight victory in as many league invitationals to maintain its hold on the top spot halfway through the six mini-tournaments that make up the regular season.

   The Fords played the host for an invitational Tuesday at Gulph Mills and David Hurly matched par with a 34 to lead the way as Haverford School’s top five put together a 180 total to finish three shots ahead of Episcopal Academy. Malvern Prep was third at 189, Germantown Academy was fourth at 205, Penn Charter was fifth at 210 and Springside Chestnut Hill Academy was sixth at 218.

   In the first two invitationals, it was Malvern Prep challenging the Fords, coming up just short by two shots at Sunnybrook Golf Club and by three shots at Waynesborough Country Club. Episcopal Academy finished third in both.

   Haverford School’s depth was tested again Tuesday, this time by Episcopal Academy, which had the co-medalists for the day with juniors Jacob Zeng and J.R. Rauscher each firing a 1-under 33 at Gulph Mills.

   Haverford School got a pair of 3-over 36s, one from veteran Charlie Baker and another from sophomore Jake Maddaloni, to back up Hurly. Two more Haverford School veterans, Sam Walker and Mac Costin each carded a 37. The Fords were able to toss a 39 from talented senior A.J. Aivazogolou.

   Backing up Jacob Zeng and Rauscher for the Churchmen were senior co-captains Robbie Copit, who carded a 37, and Michael Zeng, who posted a 40, and junior James LeRoux, who matched Michael Zeng’s 40.

   Malvern Prep was led by one of its promising freshman as Keller Mulhern fired a 2-over 35. Senior John Updike, who has been one of the Inter-Ac’s top players in each of the last four seasons, added a 37,  another freshman, Jack Fialko, had a 38 and junior Ryan Kennedy posted a 39. Three other Friars, seniors Andrew Curran, Matt Civitella and Chuck Andress, each posted a 40, one of which was added in as Malvern Prep’s final counter.

   Haverford School stands at 15-0 through the first three invitationals with Malvern Prep at 11-4 and Episcopal Academy at 10-5. Germantown Academy is fourth at 5-10, Springside Chestnut Hill is fifth at 3-12 and Penn Charter is sixth at 1-14.

   Jacob Zeng leads the individual standings with a 134-5-2 mark through three invitationals. He is 2-under par overall in the three league invitationals. The always consistent Updike is second at 126-8-7 followed by three Haverford School players, Hurly in third at 126-12-3, Walker in fourth at 114-18-9 and Costin in fifth at 113-18-10.