Cannata Leads Salem State to Second Consecutive MASCAC Title

Salem State senior Brian Cannata took home medalist honors, firing a two-over-par round of 73 on Monday, and finishing with a total score of 145. For his efforts, Cannata was named MASCAC Player of the Year. Aidan McBride of Springfield College finished six strokes back and was runner-up (151), while Westfield State's Brandon Smith was right on his heels in third place (153). Additionally, Salem State junior  Ryan O'Leary - 7th Place and sophomore Danny DiLisio - t-10th earned All-MASCAC Second Team Honors. The Vikings will represent the conference at next spring's NCAA Tournament.   

Two-time conference coach of the year, Jimmy O'Reilly was impressed with his team's resiliency in persevering under adverse weather conditions. "I am very proud of the effort from our guys today. We didn't have our best stuff but it was enough to hold off a very good Springfield College team. Brian Cannata played absolutely incredible and rose to the occasion this week. After finishing runner-up last year,  he was motivated to win this year. If Brian doesn't play the way he did this week, it's likely we don't win as a team. 

We knew if we played our game though we would be tough to beat again this year. I am proud of Danny and Ryan for making all conference, along with Brian. They played great this week in difficult conditions. It shows you how deep our team is that we were still able to win despite Ethan Doyle having an uncharacteristic off week. Guys stepped up and hit good golf shots when they had to.  It's pretty special to be able to say we are back to back champions. We are honored to represent the MASCAC at the NCAA Championship once again this year."

New England College freshman Graham Hassan carded a two-day total of 169, earning MASCAC Rookie of the Year, honors, while Salem State head coach James O'Reilly was named MASCAC/ BSN Sports Coach of the Year.    

Among the highlights of the second day of competition was a hole in one by Worcester State sophomore Jack Ryan on the 12^th hole. Additionally, Mitchell College senior Shamus McLean shot an even-par round of 71 on Monday, good for the top individual round score over the two day tournament.