TUCSON, Ariz.- The Arizona Wildcats finished the second round of the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) Monday afternoon at Omni Tucson National. The Wildcats went two over in day two to increase their score to 575 (-1). The Cats are tied with UTEP at sixth, 10 strokes behind the leader.
Two Wildcats – Kolton Lapa and Jake Kreuz -- finished the day in the top 20 to lead the team. The Cats combined for 22 birdies on the day and still hold the lead for eagles made.
Lapa matched his score of 70 (-2) from round one to sit him tied for ninth pace at 140 (-4). Lapa netted six birdies to help keep him in the top ten. Kreuz hit four of his birdies on back-to-back occasions on his first two holes and 13 and 14 to help him finish one under going into the final day of the competition tied for 19th.
"Overall today was an average day for the team,” said Lapa. “We are definitely seeing some improvement out of some guys and that is very encouraging. If we can all put together a few under par rounds tomorrow I think we still have a chance to win this golf tournament. Individually, I am in a good spot. I am really excited for a low one tomorrow and hopefully I can have another solid finish."
Sitting in 28th place going into day three, sophomore Jordan Gumberg went four over, shooting three birdies to give him a score of 145 (+1) over the two days. Sophomore Peter Koo went one over in day two of the competition to give him a total score of 147 (+3) shooting four birdies in the second day. Sophomore Max Donohue is tied for 76th with a score of 159 (+15).
“Our team was not as sharp today,” said head men's golf coach Jim Anderson. “We had some great play early in the round and then rode a roller coaster to finish. We need all five guys making good decisions and showing great composure for 18 holes tomorrow. Kolton continues to show consistency and professionalism as he posted another subpar round. We need a few more of those tomorrow from everyone else as I believe we are very close.”
Arizona had six individuals competing in the tournament. Combined, they accounted for 23 birdies in the second round. Redshirt freshman Andrew Garner shot four under in the second day off six birdies. Freshman Tyler Moore went one over in day two do get him tied for 40th place with a score of 148 (+4). Sophomore George Cunningham and redshirt freshman Austin Stadeli are tied for 59th at 151 (+7). Cunningham shot a two-under 70 on Monday.
Freshman Martin Larrea finished the day tied for 68th at 152 (+8). Freshman Ari Gulugain went five over in the second round to increase his score to 157 (+13) to tie him for 74th.
Sophomore Max Donohue will be the first to compete for the Wildcats as he tees off at 8 a.m.
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