Men's Golf finishes sixth at California State Intercollegiate

Men's Golf finishes sixth at California State Intercollegiate

HEMET, Calif. — The University of La Verne men's golf team finished sixth at the annual California State Intercollegiate tournament, held at Diamond Valley Golf Club (par-72), with a two-round score of 599.

Alec Spencer and Austin Matzaganian paced the Leopards' scoring lineup with a total of 5-over 149 each. Spencer posted a 74 on Monday and carded a 75 on Tuesday. Matzaganian shot at 73 on Monday and a 76 on Tuesday.

Spencer had or tied for La Verne's lowest score in every tournament last year and is poised to lead the Leopards again this year.

The biggest surprise of the two-day tournament was freshman Jason Brown. The Oakland, California, native shot a 6-over 78 in the first round but fired a 2-under 70 on Tuesday for the round's low score. Brown competed as an individual and finished tied for 15th overall, one place ahead of Spencer and Matzaganian.

What made Brown's second round performance even more impressive were the rain and the cold weather uncharacteristic of Southern California this time of the year. Rain started falling shortly before the first tee and persisted throughout the day.

Aaron DiGiamarino and Hisham Hussein were right behind Spencer and Matzaganian. DiGiamarino shot a total of 150 (76-74) to finish tied to 20th and Hussein posted a total of 151 (75-76) to finish 23rd overall.

Josh Davis rounded out the scoring lineup with a total of 159 (81-78).

In addition to Brown, La Verne played six individual players and got some solid scores. Sam Mangiaterra went 76-74 for a total of 150, Henrik Skogseth shot a total of 155.

Arizona Christian ran away with the team title at 3-under 573 (287-286), 21 shots ahead of second place Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (290-304=594). Claremont-Mudd-Scripps' Jonathan Shaw won the individual medal with a 4-under 140 (70-70).

The Leopards continue their fall schedule on Sept. 26-28 at Western New Mexico Fall Intercollegiate.