This past week, the Waynesburg University men’s golf team kicked off their season with a win at Carlow University on Friday.

Sam Jones, head coach of both the woman’s and men’s golf teams, was ecstatic with the way the team started its season.

“It’s always nice to start with a win,” said Jones. “It was a great way to introduce some of our new guys, as well as having our returners get off on a good foot.”

Junior Alex Orlandini hit the team-low for the Yellow Jackets with 83. Freshman Jake McCuen followed with an 85 in his first collegiate match, while sophomore Will Purbaugh kept it clean with an 87. Freshman Luke Diel followed suit with a 95 in his collegiate debut and sophomore CJ Sekanick rounded the team off with a 101.

Jones said he liked to see the team collectively put together such a low score this early in the season.

“Typically, in golf if you start the season shooting low scores there is great potential to score even lower, so I am very excited,” Jones said.

The dual match win was decided by four shots, with Waynesburg shooting 365 compared to Carlow’s 369.

Jones was especially impressed with Orlandini’s 83, noting his growth since last season.

“Alex played a fantastic 18 holes, and the score proved that,” Jones said. “He has definitely improved over the summer and he seems to be gaining confidence.”

Jones said these scores, while individual, come together in the end.

“Golf scores are done by the individual golfer,” Jones said. “It’s you verse the course verse the other player you are with. We want to win as many of those as we can and that’s how we win the match, but we try to have as much fun as we can while still coming together.”

One player, Purbaugh, who was recognized as a PAC “player to watch” before the season said he feels more pressure entering into the season.

“There may be a little bit of extra pressure with that recognition, however I look at it as a motivation,” Purbaugh said. “It keeps me focused for the long season, makes me stay on track with how I play and where I want to be by the end of the season. I’m very competitive, so more than anything it just drives me to do better.”

Waynesburg’s next match was originally scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, but was postponed due to the massive amounts of rainfall received over the preceding days. However, the team doesn’t need to worry about lack of practice, according to Jones.

“We have a great simulation room on campus which lets our players practice on rainy days like we have had during the past few days,” Jones said. “With all sports it is important to practice consistently, but with golf especially just because of all the little mechanics that happen with swings. That is why I believe having this sim-room is such an advantage because we have the opportunity to go and practice and work on those little mechanics.”

With their next match postponed until further notice, the players will prep for their next match Saturday, Sept. 15 in Altoona, Pa. They will be playing in the Penn State Altoona Invitational with the hopes of improving their overall standings in the PAC.