News Release

For Immediate Release: October 7, 2005

Headline: Massachusetts Captures 72nd Tri-State Matches at Ellington Ridge Country Club

Ellington, CT– Led by strong individual performances by six-time Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year Frank Vana, Jr. (Marlborough CC), 2003 Massachusetts Amateur Champion Andy Drohen (St. Anne CC) and John Hadges (Thorny Lea GC), the 10-person team from Massachusetts successfully defended its title at the 72nd Tri-State Team Matches. This year's annual event was held at Ellington Ridge Country Club in Ellington, Connecticut.

Vana, Drohen and Hadges each captured the maximum number of six points during their singles matches this morning to spearhead the team to victory. Entering today's second and final round of play, Team Massachusetts held a nine-point lead over the host team of Connecticut after dominating during Thursday's foursomes match play. On Friday, it didn't take the team long to extend its lead and secure its second straight victory.

Also picking up critical individual points this morning were Jim Ruschioni (Oak Hill CC), who nabbed five of the six possible points, as well as John Gilmartin (Indian Ridge CC) and Brendan Hester (Pleasant Valley CC) who contributed 4.5 points.

Team Massachusetts finished with 43.5 points, while Connecticut turned in a second-place performance with 23.5 points. Rhode Island came in third with 23 points.

Final Team Standings:
1) Massachusetts - 43.5
2) Connecticut - 23.5
3) Rhode Island - 23