The adrenaline is running high for the Binghamton golf team after last weekend’s strong showing at Bethpage, Long Island, where they finished fourth out of the 16 teams in the field. They will look to continue their run at this weekend’s Dartmouth tournament in Hanover, New Hampshire, beginning on Friday.

It will only be a 12-team field this weekend and all teams will be from District One, so the Bearcats will be competing against some of their closest rivals, making this weekend a major test.

“It would really be a good thing to beat all of these teams this weekend and show the country how we stack up against teams from our own region,” said head coach Nick Lasky.

Of the four top teams in the region, including Binghamton, Rhode Island, Boston College and Hartford, only the Bearcats will make a showing in this week’s tournament. Rhode Island and BC chose not to participate, while Hartford pulled out at the last minute.

“Since none of our fiercest rivals will be there, it becomes even more imperative to do very well and prove to the country that our team is a legitimate contender,” Lasky said.

The golf course in Hanover, known for its many mountains, rugged terrain and its picturesque setting, will pose an interesting test. It was built in 1898 but was recently redesigned to make it more modern, with terrain that won’t be easy for BU to traverse.

Only Jeff Wolniewicz, Zach Vinal and Aaron Ungvarsky have played in Hanover before, so it makes sense that they may have an advantage over their less–experienced teammates this weekend. But Lasky, nonetheless, expects all his players to perform well and take notice during practice rounds of the many risks certain holes pose.

“Throughout all 18 holes, the course will require creativity, patience, but most importantly, course management,” Lasky said.

The lineup will consist of Wolniewicz in the No. 1 spot, Ungvarsky in the No. 2, Vinal in third and J.J. Shearer in the fourth. Newly promoted Tom Hackett takes the fifth spot.

Hackett, a Binghamton local and transfer from Broome Community College, won the right to participate this weekend through his solid play in the qualifying rounds over the last month.

“Hackett hits the ball a ton,” Lasky said.

Freshman Patrick Donovan will remain absent from the starting lineup after struggling last weekend at Bethpage.

“His swing is just a hair off,” Lasky remarked. “He’ll take advantage of this weekend to go home and see his pro and go over some of the basic fundamentals, so he will have an ample amount of time to prepare for future tournaments.”