Wilmington University Golf and Tennis

SUBJECT: Wilmington Golf Closes Otter Fall Invite with Week’s Best 292; Finish 13th Overall

DATE: October 17, 2017

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SEASIDE, Calif. - - The Wilmington University golf team posted a week’s best 292 on Tuesday in the third round of the Otter Fall Invitational, finishing 13th overall with a three-round score of 897 (+33) at the Black Horse Course at the Bayonet Golf Club, hosted by CSU Monterey Bay.

Even with the 292, the Wildcats slipped a spot to 13th after the first two rounds. The team went 303-302-292 for a three-round score of 897 (+33).

Senior Joey Russo led the Wildcats with a 72 (E) score on Tuesday, sinking three birdies on the front nine to lead the way. He was the top finisher for the Wildcats, shooting a 75-75-72 for a 222 (+6) to be tied for 26th overall.

A pair of freshman shot their best rounds on Tuesday as well, as Sergio Ronchel and Enrique Valverde posted like scores of 73 (+1). Ronchel posted three birdies in his third round while Valverde posted birdies on holes one and 18, to go along with 14 pars.

Ronchel finished in a tie for 53rd overall with a 77-76-73 for a 226 (+10) while Valverde finished the tournament in a tie for 66th with a 78-79-73 for a 230 (+14).

Senior Zac Moore rounded out the scoring for the Wildcats in the final round, posting a 74 (+2). He also finished the round with three birdies, but totaled five bogeys as well. He was the second Wildcat on the leaderboard in a tie for 43rdoverall, shooting a 75-76-74 for a 225 (+9) on the week.

Junior Ryan Rucinski rounded the Wildcats team players on the course with a 77 (+5) on Tuesday. He had two birdies in the final round. He finished in a tie for 63rd overall in the tournament, shooting a 76-75-77 for 228 (+12).

Playing as individuals, both Matthew Kettleson and Braden McKay shot their best rounds of the tournament as well. Kettleson shot a 76 (+4) to finish in a tie for 94th overall. He finished with rounds of 82-81-76 for a 239 (+23). McKay shot a 77 on Tuesday, finishing in a tie for 98th overall. He shot rounds of 82-84-77 for a 243 (+27).

The hosts CSU Monterey Bay won the tournament as the only team to shoot under par, going 287-295-274 for an 856 (-8). Colorado-Colorado Spring finished second with an 868 (+4) as a team.

UC San Diego’s Adam Navigato set a tournament record to win medalist honors, posting scores of 69-65-65 for a 199 (-17).

The Wildcats travel even farther west for their next two tournaments, as they head to paradise for the Dixie State Island Invitational on Monday, October 23. They will play at the Waikoloa Kings’ Course in Waikoloa, Hawaii for the two-day tournament.