CROFTON, Md. – The Bentley University golf team, with freshman Tommy Ethier (Nashua, N.H./ Bishop Guertin HS) leading the way, finished its first tournament of the spring, the California University (Pa.) Coaches Invitational Classic second among 13 teams.

The Falcons, who were in a three-way tie after the second round, turned in a final-round 305 Tuesday at the Crofton Country Club to finish eight strokes back of the host California Vulcans. Bentley concluded the 54-hole tournament with a 314-304-305-923 while California finished strong for a 309-309-297-915.

Ethier, who had a one-stroke lead after 36, tied for second place with his 75-74-76-225 putting him two strokes back. He was overtaken by medalist Ryan Smith (California), who shot a final round 73 for a 223 total.

The top ten also included Bentley junior Chris Simione (Cheshire, Conn./Cheshire HS). He tied for eighth after turning in a pair of 77s and a final round 75 for a 229 total.

Senior Cal Meyers (Richfield, Wisc./Slinger HS) tied for  15th with a 80-75-78-233 and classmate Brett Chatfield (Attleboro, Mass./Bishop Feehan HS) finished with an 82-78-77-237 to tie for 22nd.

Bentley, which has already qualified for the NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Regional, has finished in the top three in five of seven tournaments thus far this academic year.

The next action for the Mickey Herron-coached Falcons is The Trojan in Goldsboro, N.C. next Monday and Tuesday.