KEENE, N.H. - The University of Southern Maine claimed the 2024 Little East Conference Championship Tournament title with a two-day total of 597, holding off a second round charge by Eastern Connecticut State University to secure its first ever conference championship and secure the LEC’s automatic berth in May’s NCAA Division III Championship.
The Huskies shot a two-under par 282 as a team Wednesday before totaling a 315 on Thursday, giving them a two-day total of 597 to win the championship at Keene Country Club. The Warriors finished with a two-day score of 600 (297- 303) as they nearly rallied to win what would have been their fourth consecutive LEC title.
USM, comprised of an all freshmen lineup, was led by individual runner-up Jaden Poirier, who posted a LEC-record seven-under par round of 64 on day-one before posting a 78 on day-two for a total of 142, making he even par for the tournament. He was two strokes better than Own Moore (72-72-144), while Alex Fournier took ninth (75-80-155).
Eastern Connecticut sophomore Ethan McDaniel, who is in his first collegiate season, rallied with a three-under par round of 68 to finish three-under for the tournament, giving him medalist honors in addition to being named the 2024 LEC Player of the Year and 2024 Rookie of the Year. He was even (71) following the opening round of play, giving him a two-day total of 139.
Warrior junior Nick DiNino placed fourth with a six-over total of 148 (71-77), while Chris Davidson placed 10th overall (81-76-157). Eastern junior Jake Napolitan is tied with Rhode Island College junior Jasper Bruins Slot for 10th after shooting a five-over par 76.
Western Connecticut recorded a program-best third-place finish in the team standings after posting a team total of 630 (316-314). Sophomore Tim Larson is placed sixth at nine-over (75-76-151) to lead the Wolves, while freshman Brayden Kassel placed eighth at 12-over (79-75-154).
Also finishing in the top-10 were Vermont State University Castleton senior Brady Hathorn, who placed fifth with an eight-over 150 (77-73), and Rhode Island College junior Jasper Bruins Slot, who was seventh at 10-over par (76-76-152).
The LEC’s player major awards and all-conference teams are based on team finish at the Championship. The top-five finishers are recognized as First Team All-LEC, while the sixth through tenth-place finisher earn Second Team All-LEC.
Complete Team Standings
1. Southern Maine - 597 (282-315)
2. Eastern Connecticut - 600 (297-303)
3. Western Connecticut - 630 (316-314)
4. VTSU Castleton - 646 (322-324)
5. Keene State - 652 (328-324)
6. Rhode Island College - 656 (328-328)