VENTURA, Calif — The University of La Verne Men's Golf team opened up the 2017-18 season with a ninth-place finish at the California State Intercollegiate Invitational at Olivas Links (par-72) Tuesday afternoon, shooting a two-round score of 583.
"We continued to improve as the tournament progressed and I'm very proud of our team with the way we bounced back to post an under-par team total today," said Head Coach Eric Riehle. "I know for sure that this group will continue to work hard and improve throughout the season."
The Leopards were led by Conner Davis who posted a total 2-over 146. The junior was consistent, shooting a 73 both days to finish tied for 26th place.
Hisham Hussein and Pitiluk Phanomchai followed right behind Davis each finishing the invitational with a 3-over 147. Hussein shot 73 the first round and finished with a 74 in the second round. Phanomchai posted a 74 on day one and improved a stoke on day two.
Aaron DiGiamarino made some big strides in the second round. After shooting 77 on day one, the senior shot a 71 in the second round for a total score of 148.
But the biggest improvement in the tournament came from Jason Brown. The Oakland, California native shot an 80 to open the tournament but improved by 11 strokes the second time around for a 3-under 69 on Tuesday for La Verne's lowest score.
Ottowa University (Ariz.) won the title with a 7-under 569, edging out second place Chapman (6-under, 570) by one stroke. Jonathan Shaw from Claremont-Mudd-Scripps one the individual title, shooting an 11-under 133.
Next Round: The Leopards next compete in a head-to-head dual against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Friday, September 29 at Los Serranos Country Club at 8 a.m.