Temple University Athletics
Eric Plisko Wins Bermuda Match Play Championship
3.15.09 | Men's Golf
March 15, 2009
HAMILTON, BERMUDA - Temple junior Eric Plisko defeated Santo Lafoca, 11&10, on Saturday to win the Bermuda Match Play Championship at the Mid Ocean Golf Course. The Sugar Notch, PA native is now exempt to the British Amateur.
"It was a great experience," Plisko said. "Coach Quinn has really helped make some swing changes and it feels great to win in my first trip to Bermuda. I think it will really jump start my college season."
Plisko was seven strokes up on Lafoca, who is from Pittston, PA, after 18 holes and stayed in control the rest of the match.
"I am so proud of Eric," head coach Brian Quinn said. "He is a tremendous person and representative of Temple University. This is only the start of great things for Eric and I think this experience will really benefit him in his amateur, and if he chooses, professional career."
In the first round, Plisko needed three extra holes to defeat Bill Jenks and then defeated Jarryd Dillas, 2-up to reach the semifinals. He met Robert Vallis and edged the former champion, 2-up to meet Lafoca in the finals.
Plisko had an outstanding fall for the Owls, leading the team with a 73.1 stroke average, which was good for second in the Atlantic 10. He tied for the individual lead after 36 holes at St. Bonaventure (70-72=142) before falling in a playoff and was two shots off the lead to help Temple win the Big Five Invitational.
The Cherry and White begins its spring campaign on March 23 at the First Market Bank Intercollegiate, hosted by William and Mary.
