Men's Golf finishes 22nd at Jekyll Island Invitational

Men's Golf finishes 22nd at Jekyll Island Invitational

JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. — The University of La Verne men's golf team shot a three-round score of 899 (308-298-293) to finish 22nd amongst top Division III competition at the annual Jekyll Island Collegiate Invitational, hosted by Oglethorpe, at the Jekyll Island Golf Club (par-72) on March 18-20. Twelve of the nation's top-25 teams competed in the prestigious tournament.

The Leopards posted a lower score every round and only nine teams had a lower combined score in the final round.

"I'm very pleased wit hour improvement each round with our inexperienced group of guys," La Verne head coach Eric Riehle said. "Overall, this was another major step forward for this team. In the end, we pulled out a few head-to-head wins against some top teams."

Alec Spencer was the only player in the La Verne lineup who had played in the tournament, which invites national championship-caliber field every year. Spencer, a junior, played in the tournament each of his first two seasons.

And it was Spencer who led the Leopards this year. He started a little slow, shooting a 4-over 76 in the first round, but came back to post a even-par 72 in the each of the final two rounds for a total of 220 and finished tied for 42nd individually.

Sam Mangiaterra had his best tournament as a Leopard. Mangiaterra had La Verne's best score in the first round with a 3-over 75, shot a 4-over 76 in the second round and wrapped up the weekend with a solid 72 on Sunday for a total of 223. He finished tied for 64th overall.

Austin Matzaganian helped anchor the second round with a 72 and bookended it with scored of 77 and 75. He shot a total of 224 and tied for 70th.

Kwangyun Yi finished with a total of 232 and improved his score every round. He turned in an 8-over 80 in the first round but shook off the jitters and rounded out the tournament with a 78 and a 74 to round out La Verne's lineup.

Josh Davis had a total of 239 (83-78-78).

No. 16 La Grange won the team title (286-289-284=859) and Joey Mayo of No. 10 Rhodes claimed the individual medal (67-71-67=205).

The Leopards are back in action next week as they host the annual West Cup at Sierra La Verne Country Club on March 28-29. They will plays two rounds on Monday and finish with a single round on Tuesday.