Men’s Golf | September 25, 2023
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.–The Trojans teed off at their second tournament of the fall season Monday morning (Sept. 25) competing in the William H. Tucker Invitational at the Championship Course at UNM Golf Course in Albuquerque, N.M. After a slow start, the Trojans found their groove with a strong afternoon and finished the day at even-par in the middle of the pack and placed 10th. Texas Tech holds the lead after two rounds at 18-under, 2 shots ahead of tournament host New Mexico at 16-under.
Leading the way today, just as he did at Sahalee, was sophomore Antonio Safa. After a 2-over 74 to start the day, Safa found his stride in the afternoon, making birdie on 7 of the 18 holes and eagle on his 6th hole of the round. After a 5-under 67 for his afternoon round, Safa currently sits at 3-under in a tie for 15th.
Safa reflected on his day, commenting, “I had to show a lot of patience as it was a really slow round this morning, but got in rhythm on that second 18 and posted a good score.”
Sam Lape stayed steady throughout the day, with runs of birdies in the morning and afternoon. He ended the day in a tie for 34th at even-par after carding two 72’s.
Both Krando Nishiba and Jackson Rivera showed flashes of stellar play with Nishiba making eagle on the first hole and Rivera playing without a bogey for his first 11, both during their second rounds. In the morning Nishiba shot 73 while Rivera carded a 74. During their afternoon loops, Rivera led with 72 while Nishiba finished with 74.
Though he admitted he wasn’t pleased with his individual play, Rivera commented on the opportunity that the team has for the final round tomorrow, saying, “The team overall had a solid day. We’re right in the middle of the pack so a few under par rounds tomorrow and we can maybe sneak in that top 5.”
Jackson Rivera finished his two rounds at 2-over in a tie for 49th with Krando Nishiba behind him at 3-over in a tie for 56th.
The final Trojan to play was freshman Nicholas Dominguez, who had a strong morning, finishing in an even-par 72, while his afternoon resulted in a 7-over 79 which slotted him in a tie for 83rd.
The final round in the desert begins Tuesday morning at 7:45 a.m. PT, and the Trojans look to come out strong and sneak up in the rankings. Keeping…
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