LA VERNE, Calif. — Aaron DiGiamarino and the University of La Verne men's golf team fought through tough weather conditions to shoot to the top of the leaderboards after the first two rounds of the annual West Cup on Monday at Sierra La Verne Country Club (par-70).

The Leopards shot a total of 589 (288-301) through the first 36 holes to take a 15-stroke lead over second place No. 23 Cal Lutheran.

The players had to contend with harsh weather conditions uncharacteristic of late March in Southern California as low temperatures and rain pestered the players in the morning round and the wind kicked up in the afternoon.

But the Leopards, playing on its home course, used the familiarity to their advantage to take a commanding lead.

DiGiamarino paced La Verne in both rounds, firing an even-par 70 in the first round a 3-over 73 in the afternoon to take a share of first place with Clark Wilson of Willamette. Alec Spencer was right behind, also shooting a 70 in the first round and carding a 75 in the second to come in tied for third.

The Leopards turned in two additional top-15 scorecards to bolster their lead. Austin Matzagazian shot a total of 149 (73-76), which was good for ninth, and Sam Mangiaterra sits tied for 15th with a total of 152 (75-77).

Hisham Hussein shot a 163 (77-86) to round out La Verne's lineup.

The fast start against top competition -- three teams in the field are ranked top-25 and additional four are receiving votes in the latest GCAA Coaches Poll -- is a promising sign for the young Leopards who have been going through growing pains to start the season.

The Leopards will try to seal the win tomorrow starting at approximately 8:08 a.m. First groups will start at 6:53 a.m.