Titans Top Lions in Third Hite Cup Battle
LIGONIER, Pa. – The Penn State Altoona men's golf team dipped into match play on Tuesday afternoon for its yearly faceoff with non-conference opponent Westminster College, as the teams competed in the third annual Hite Cup.
This year's edition of the Hite Cup returned to Laurel Valley Golf Club, the site of the first match between the Lions and Titans in a competition that gives a nod to Lee Hite, a benefactor of both Penn State Altoona and Westminster.
Westminster came away with its third Hite Cup victory in as many years, defeating Penn State Altoona 5-2 in Tuesday's match.
Westminster and Penn State Altoona each picked up a point in the top two matchups. The Titans' Joe Trudeau defeated Peter Nusbaum (Pittsboro, NC/Thales Academy) 4 and 3, while the Lions earned a point with Trey Heffelfinger's (Mount Union, PA/Mount Union) 3 and 1 win over Ellian Ascencio.
But Westminster built a sizeable lead, thanks to wins by its three, four, five and six golfers. Gavin Batdorff bested Jack DiTrani (Hinsdale, IL/Benet Academy) 2 down, Tyler Hager prevailed over Andrew Bruce (Moon Township, PA/Moon) by a 2 and 1 decision, Logan Marnik triumphed 3 and 2 against Michael Gloth (Glenwood, MD/Glenelg) and Peter Canovali won 3 and 2 over Sean McCullough (Kittanning, PA/West Shamokin).
Penn State Altoona salvaged a point in the seven spot, courtesy of Jack Ankeny (Davidsville, PA/Conemaugh Township) defeating Portland Canovali 3 and 2.
Penn State Altoona returns to tournament play for its next competition, which will see the Lions co-host The Northeast Elite with Penn College on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1. The two-day tournament will be held at Williamsport Country Club and is scheduled to tee off at 11 a.m. each round.
