JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. – The No. 8 University of La Verne golf team shot a three-round score of 886 and earned a fifth place finish amongst the top Division III golf programs in the country at the Jekyll Island Collegiate Invitational. It was La Verne's best ever finish at the tournament.
"I am very proud of the way the guys finished the tournament, moving up in standing after each round," La Verne head coach Chris Davis said.
Kelby Scharmann led the way for the Leopards, shooting a combined score of 218 to lead the Leopards. After shooting a 4-over 76 in the first round, the junior posted 1-under 71 in each of the last two rounds to finish 11th overall individually.
Michael Bonicatto set the pace early for the Leopards. After shooting an even-par 72 on day one, the junior scored a 2-under 70 in round two. He finished with a score of 78 in round three.
Paul Gomez finished tied for 40th place at 9-over 225 (74-77-74) and Keven Holliday rounded out La Verne's scoring with a total of 12-over 228 (76-75-77).
After shooting a 3-over 75 in round one, Alec Spencer hit a small road bump in the second round in which he shot a 12-over 84. But the freshman didn't lose poise and came back with a final round score of 74.
"Alec bounced back with a clutch round," Davis said. "He continues to prove he plays with more patience and grit than many seniors in the country."
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, the only other SCIAC school in the field, finished five strokes behind La Verne for 9th place (295-297-299=891).
Illinois Wesleyan (290-292-288=870) earned the team title.
La Verne will be back in action on March 23-25 for the West Cup at the Bear Creek Country Club.
"This tournament is a big confidence booster heading into the heart of our season," Davis added. "With a little more execution down the stretch, we know we can compete with the best teams in the country."
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