Sept. 12, 2008
Day One Results 
The Siena men's golf team opened its 2008 fall slate with a strong second place showing after the first day of the 15th annual Navy Golf Classic today at the United States Naval Academy Golf Course in Annapolis, Md. Senior co-captain Dan Abbondandolo also ranks second overall individually, just one stroke off the lead.
George Washington was the clubhouse leader through 18 of the scheduled 36 holes, firing a combined team score of 282. The Saints remain within striking distance, just nine shots off the lead at 291. North Dakota State and Saint Joseph's came in next, tied for third at 294.
Abbondandolo, who broke out during his junior season winning three individual championships, is well within reach of yet another entering Saturday morning's final round. The captain fired a 34 on the front nine and a 35 on the back for a first round score of 69.
George Washington's Lewis Sturdy currently holds the overall individual lead by just one shot over Abbondandolo, after recording a 68 in the first round for the Colonials.
In addition to Abbondandolo, fellow senior co-captain James Gifford also had an impressive showing. The local product from Niskayuna tallied his finest single round performance since joining the Green and Gold, firing a 72. Gifford enters the final round within shouting distance as well as he sits just four shots off the lead.
Rounding out Siena's competitors were strong efforts as well from Don DeNyse III (74), Justin Deitz (76) and Jeffrey Smith (82).
The Saints take aim at capturing the championship tomorrow with the final round getting underway with a scheduled 8 a.m. tee time.
