The GW men’s golf team will compete in the Atlantic 10 Championships Friday at the Penn National Golf Club in Mt. Alto, Pa., following a disappointing seventh-place finish at the Cleveland State Invitational April 15-16. Oakland City University won the Invitational with a score of 922, ahead of GW’s 956.

Oakland City’s Gary Robinson overcame poor weather conditions and shot a 220 to win the Invitational. Teams played through strong winds, rain and snow flurries.

GW head coach Scott Allen said he is confident in the men’s ability despite the poor showing at the Invitational. The winner of the A-10s receives an automatic berth to the NCAA Regional Tournament.

Ryan Day was GW’s top finisher at the Invitational. Day placed 13th overall and shot a 73 in the last round on the final day. Allen said Day’s performance should boost his confidence, which is something the Colonials will need in the A-10s.

“We are glad that he is playing better with the championship coming up this weekend,” Allen said. “I hope that playing well this week will bring his confidence back.”

Allen said he needs strong performances from Bryan Derdenger and Tim Derdenger, as well as Brad Friedlander and Thomas Blankvoort, the winner of the GW Invitational.

Tim Derdenger returned to the field this week after being sidelined with a knee and shoulder injury. Derdenger shot 79, 81 and 83 in three rounds and tied for 33rd with a total score of 243.

“We need Thomas Blankvoort to play as well as he has been playing,” Allen said. “It is an individual sport, but these guys really help each other out there.”

Blankvoort had his poorest performances of the season, but tied for 18th overall.

“Thomas has been playing great all year,” said Allen. “He is the best golfer GW has seen since the 1950’s. He has a shot at being an all-region player.”