The University of La Verne golf squad shared top honors at the inaugural West Cup Tournament, shooting a team total of 298 in the final round to tie with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps atop the team standings Tuesday at Goose Creek Golf Club in Mira Loma.
Both the Leopards and Stags finished at 880 for the three round tournament, six strokes ahead of Whitworth, Redlands and Wittenburg, each of whom tied for third overall at 886. Cal Lutheran (890) placed sixth followed by Southwestern (894), Trinity (900), Allegheny (901) and Pomona-Pitzer (904) to round out the Top 10.
The West Cup Tournament provided a formidable field consisting of eight teams ranked in the Top 25 of the current Golfstat Division III rankings.
"It was great for our team as hosts to earn a share of the tournament title," said La Verne head coach Chris Davis. "Though we didn't play our best we were able to grind through the final round. Overall I was pleased with our effort."
The top individual performance was turned in by David Gazzolo of UC Riverside, who carded a three round total of 207 (-6) for the Division I Highlander squad, guided by former Leopard head coach Eric Riehle. The lowest round by a Division III competitor was CMS's Brad Shigezawa, who fired a 69 on Tuesday to finish the tournament at 208 (-5).
La Verne was bolstered by two golfers finishing in the Top 15 among individuals. Kelby Scharmann placed in a tie for 12th with a total of 217 while Paul Gomez finished two strokes back at 219 to tie for 14th overall. Scharmann, who began the final round tied for 22nd, fired a 71 on Tuesday to secure the lowest score among Leopard players.
Additionally, the Leos received Top 40 individual finishes from both Michael Bonicatto, who placed in a tie for 32nd at 225, and from Derek Zachman, to concluded action with a total of 226 to place tied for 37th. Andre Bedard finished the tournament with a three round effort of 230 to place 55th.
The depth of the Leopard squad was evident as Trent Twamley and Keven Holliday, competing as individuals, each posted Top 25 finishes. Holiday's 222 total for the West Cup tied for 22nd while Twamley carded a 223 for the tournament, placing him tied for 25th.
La Verne will next be in action at the SCIAC #2 Tournament, held April 6-7 at La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc.
