The University of La Verne completed its fall schedule by competing in a talented field at the Firestone Grill Invitational (Oct. 8-9) hosted by Cal Poly SLO at Monarch Dunes Country Club. As one of just two non-scholarship schools in the 10-team field, La Verne placed seventh with a three-round total of 885.
The Leopards concluded play on Tuesday with a third round score of 282 after successive rounds of 299 and 304. Tourney host Cal Poly SLO (847) earned first place followed by Cal State Fullerton (851) and UC Riverside (862).
Seattle University (875) placed fifth followed by Cal Poly B team (876) and Cal State Northridge (884) in fifth and sixth place, respectively. The Leopards finished ahead of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (895), Cal State Bakersfield (904) and Biola (907).
Senior Derek Zachman paced the Leopard effort with a total of 219 (73-74-72) to place in a tie for 20th overall. Sophomore Michael Bonicatto finished at 222 for 30th with teammate Trent Twamley a stroke behind at 223 to tie for 31st. Andre Bedard carded a 226 while Kelby Scharmann concluded his three rounds at 231.
First-year head coach Chris Davis said he was encouraged by how the team finished but is striving for better overall consistency. "The two tournaments we've played this fall shows that we've struggled a bit in the early rounds but come on at the end to shoot one of the better round of the tournament," he said. "We just need to figure out how to play at that level for all three rounds. If we do that, we can compete with anyone."
La Verne moved up to No. 8 in the latest Golf World/Nike Golf Division III Coaches Poll released on October 10.
