WAUSEON, Ohio – The Goshen College golf team is officially back in action.

The Maple Leafs opened the 2012-13 season in Ohio, playing in the Jon P. Speiss Memorial Tournament, hosted by Defiance College.  Playing slightly shorthanded, they finished ninth, carding a team score of 354.

"The team played well today and got some nerves out early," second-year head coach Allison Bailey said.  "Everyone left room for improvement.  The course played long at 6,965 yards, but it was beautiful and sunny."

The only returner from last year, sophomore Ben Pollitt (Helsby, England), led the way with a career low 78.  He played the two par-5's one under on the day for the lowest Goshen round since the fall of 2010.

Freshman Brian Charles (State College, Pa.) fired a 40 on the front nine for a round total of 84, while junior Hayden Goerzen (Newton, Kans.) finished with an 88 and Jake Smucker (Goessel, Kans.) checked in at 104.

"It was the first competitive match in a few years for Jake and Hayden," Bailey added.  "Alejandro (Genis) played the course, but was not included in the team score because he is still pending with the NAIA."

The Maple Leafs will be back in action when they travel to the Spring Arbor University Invitational at Cascades Golf Club on September 21-22.

COMPLETE RESULTS
9. Goshen College - 354

INDIVIDUALS
Ben Pollitt - 38, 40 - 78
Brian Charles - 40, 44 - 84
Hayden Goerzen - 45, 43 - 88
Jake Smucker - 49, 55 - 104
Alejandro Genis (unattached) - 79