M. Golf rallies to finish 12th at JMU keyed by Perman's five-under 208

The Penn men's golf team finished 12th at the James Madison Invitational, but showed great resilience in storming back.

After completing round one with a relatively high team score of 297, Penn scored better than seven out of the top 11 teams in the final two rounds.

"The first round was a little shaky, with two freshmen in there," Penn first-year headman Heath Davidson said. "I was really pleased with the turnaround though, and especially proud of Chad Perman. He's been waiting for a breakout round and finally got it."

Perman, a senior co-captain, led the way for the Quakers, finishing seventh overall with a total of five-under-par. His third round score of 67 (four-under par) was a career-best and an early indication of his all-Ivy capabilities. Last year he was just two strokes shy of qualifying for the recognition.

But the entire team contributed to Penn's late run. Senior Endel Liias, who finished 27th overall, posted a 71 (even) in the second round. Also, senior co-captain Peyton Wallace had a combined five-over par in the last two rounds.

"We had a pretty good showing, but obviously hurt ourselves in the first round," Perman said. "We did have two solid rounds and that gives us a lot of promise."

Together, seniors Liias, Perman and Wallace helped to guide freshman Derek Rogers to a total score of two-over par (144) in the final two rounds and freshman Scott Squires to a four-over par second round.

This year's squad is marked by its mix of rookies and veterans, traditionally an ideal combination for a college team. But as with any young team, there will be some growing pains in the beginning.

"Between the seniors' leadership and freshmen's talent and potential, we are only going to improve," Davidson said. "And we're definitely looking forward to going for the Ivy League Championship in the spring."

Perman shares Davidson's optimism toward Penn's coming season.

"We've got three good freshmen this year," Perman said.

"Derek and Scott had some first-round jitters, but played solid overall, which is good for their confidence and good for our team."

In-state rival Penn State won the JMU Invitational, finishing with a school record three-round total of 820 (32-under par).

The Quakers are all anticipating a strong showing at the St. John's Invitational, which begins on Friday.

"It's important for us to move up in the field, to improve our district standing," Perman said. "The course at St. John's will help us because it's a tougher course so there will be higher scores and less birdies."

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