ELMIRA, N.Y.--Hobart junior Ryan Malet (Walter Johnson/Rockville, Md.) fired a career-low 78 to tie for fourth place at the season opening Elmira Invitational. As a team, the Statesmen carded a score of 337 to take sixth place in the 10-team field.

On the par-72 Elmira Country Club course, Malet finished in a three-way tie, eight strokes off the lead. Ryan Hawkins of Oswego State led the Lakers to the team title with a tournament low 70.

Hobart Head Coach Bill Quinn's debut was an impressive one. Hobart's finish is the best for the Statesmen since the team began competing in the Soaring Eagles' fall invitational in 1999. Hobart's previous best finish was ninth place in 2001.

Sophomore Drew Slocum (University School of Milwaukee/Milwaukee, Wis.) was the No. 2 Statesman in the clubhouse (14th overall) posting an 82. Sophomore Matt Johanessen (Kent School/Litchfield, Conn.), junior Matt Coté (Trinity-Pawling/Kirkland, Quebec), and sophomore Sean Hotchkiss (Falmouth/Falmouth, Maine) rounded out the Hobart contingent.

The Statesmen return to the links Sept. 6-7, in the St. Lawrence Invitational.