Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
NCAA Western Regional
Fresno State 8-Under, In Third at NCAA Western Regional
5/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
May 18, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. - Four Fresno State golfers shot even par or better on the opening day of the NCAA Western Regional in Tucson, Ariz., to help the Bulldogs to third place in the 27-team field. Fresno State (280) is 8-under through one round, only one stroke behind host Arizona. Florida is in the lead at 15-under 273.
"It was a good first day," said head coach Mike Watney. "We played very well. Obviously, we are right in it. We played well toward the end of the year and really put things together at the right time. The guys are excited about the first round."
Senior Jonny Rosa opened play with a birdie on hole 10 to stay under par for the entire round. He ended the day with a 4-under 68, and is in a nine-way tie for sixth.
"Jonny was disappointed with the way he played at the WAC tournament, and he is really determined to play well in the NCAA tournament," said Watney. "He showed that today with an excellent round."
"I got a new sand wedge, and I like it a lot," said Rosa. "It has helped me to get up and down a lot easier. I have been able to be confident so far. The weather has been perfect, but I think tomorrow afternoon may be a factor for some people. But, I like hot weather."
Senior Jason Anthony is one stroke behind Rosa at 69 (-3), and is tied for 15th. Senior Brian Kelley's round included two bogeys and one double bogey, but he made five birdies to shoot 71 (-1). He is tied for 38th.
"Brian finished real strong," said Watney. "He was 2-over after five holes with a double bogey, but he turned it around to finish 1-under."
Senior Ryan McDonald contributed an even-par 72 to the team score, and stands in a tie for 51st. Freshman Matt Shaw (T70th) shot 73 (+1).
Utah's Dustin Primm is the individual leader with a 6-under 66. Four players are tied for second with 67s.
BYU, NC State and Nevada, who are all tied for fourth, are behind Fresno State at 6-under 282.
"We have a lot of work ahead of us, but all in all, it was a very good first round for us," said Watney.
Fresno State's tee times for the second round start Friday at 12:12 p.m. PT at Omni Tucson National Golf Course. Live scoring is being kept at www.golfstat.com.
Players Mentioned
