Oct. 10, 2006

CORAOPOLIS, Pa. - St. Bonaventure captured its second tournament of the fall on Monday, edging Loyola by three shots to win Robert Morris University's Crowne Plaza Classic at Montour Heights Country Club.

The Bonnies shot a seven-over par 295 in Monday's final round to finish at 592 for the event, a tournament record. Loyola, which entered Monday with a two-shot lead, finished at 594. Cincinnati finished third at 600, the University of Toronto took fourth at 607 and Duquesne was fifth at 608. The remainder of the field: Niagara (612), host Robert Morris (614), Chicago State (620), Saint Francis (621), Robert Morris "blue" (655) and Hampton (705).

Freshman Nathan Peck led St. Bonaventure on Monday with a two-under par 70, a career best. Peck finished fourth in the individual standings at 75-70/145.

Junior Andy Whalen shot 74 on Monday while junior Ryan Swanson shot 75. Senior captain Ben Howe and sophomore Jim Gifford both shot 76.

Howe ended up in fifth place overall at 70-76/146. Swanson tied for 11th place at 75-75/150 and Whalen tied for 16th at 77-74/151.

"We played very solid for two days," said St. Bonaventure coach Steve Campbell. "Knocking off Loyola is a feat given the fall they have had and their ranking (fifth in the Mid-Atlantic region). Nathan had a great tournament as did Ben Howe. The rest of the guys ground out good rounds, too. This was very much a team win as all five guys contributed."

The Bonnies will complete their fall schedule this weekend, Oct. 14-15, at the Binghamton NBT Bank Classic.