Pittsfield, MA- The 2021 MASCAC Golf Championships got underway this afternoon at soggy Berkshire Hills Country Club.  The regularly scheduled 36 hole event was shortened to 27 holes as each team completed only nine holes today.  After one round, the Salem State Vikings hold a seven shot lead over Mitchell College.

 

Heavy rain engulfed the Berkshires overnight and all competitors played in a steady rain most of the round.  The Vikings got the best of the difficult conditions posting a +10 score to hold the lead over the Mariners.  Springfield College next in third place, eight shots back, while Westfield State is in fourth, 18 strokes back of Salem State.

 

Rounding out the standings are Worcester State, New England College, MCLA, and Eastern Nazarene.

 

Salem State posted four scores inside the top ten led by Brian Cannata.  He leads the event after firing an even par 37 over the BHCC back nine.  He holds a two shot advantage over Mitchell's Mike McCarthy.  Cannata will have his hands full of pursuers as there is a seven way tie for third, including the Owls J.J. Newcombe, at +3, just three shots off the lead.

 

The event is hopeful to wrap up tomorrow with 18 holes left to decide the champion.  Teams are scheduled to start play at 9am with foursomes going off in a reverse shotgun start.