July 16, 2008
MAPLE GROVE, MINN., July 16, 2008 - Nittany Lion golfers Robert Rohanna (Waynesburg, Pa.) and Kevin Foley (Somerville, N.J) both advanced to the second round of match play Wednesday at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in Maple Grove, Minn.
The two Nittany Lions were among the top 64 players in a field of 155 of the world's top amateurs that advance to match play after two rounds of stroke play began the competition on Monday and Tuesday. The Championship is being played on the 7,551 yard, par-71 Murphy Creek Golf Course, the longest course in APL history. Rohanna tied for 34th after two rounds of stroke play posting rounds of 70 and 74 for a total of 2-over par. Foley shot rounds of 74 and 71 to stand tied for 43rd at 3-over par after stroke play.
Rohanna, who reached the match play round of eight at the Pub-Links last year, defeated Philip Arouca of Wilmette, Illinois 4 & 2 in his first round match and will take on Andy Winings Thursday morning. Winnngs finished tied for ninth after stroke play posting 3-under par after two rounds.
A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Rohanna completed his eligibility at Penn State last season leading Penn State to its third NCAA Championship appearance in the modern era with a second place finish in the NCAA Central Regional.
Foley, who reached the round of 16 in match play at the Pub-Links last year, posted a dominating 8 & 7 victory over Greg Pool of Canada, who tied for 11th after stroke play posting a two-round total of 2-under par. Foley will take on the winner of a match still being completed Wednesday afternoon. Foley earned honorable-mention All-America honors last season after advancing to the final round of the NCAA Championships.
Play will continue through Saturday to determine a champion in match play.