Hornets men’s golf came out strong on the second day of the Nick Watney Invitational by posting the lowest score of the round of 281. The team posted a final overall score of 288-292-281-864.

The Hornets have struggled in the second and third rounds for their previous two tournaments which have dropped them to a significantly lower standing in each tournament. The team was able to reverse that trend and gain two spots in the team standings after shooting 7-under-par for the third round.

Luke Kristo and Robert Parden lead the way for the Hornets as both players were top 15 finishers in the tournament. Their performances were the first top 15 finishes the Hornets have had this season. 

Kristo tied for 14th place and shot a 74-75-67 score card. His 67 was the second lowest round of any player in the entire tournament.

Parden continued his strong play from the final round of the Husky invitational and is now 4-under par in his last four rounds of golf. He tied for ninth place and shot a 71-72-70 card for the tournament.

Taylor Knoll and Aaron Beverly combined to shoot an even par on day two to contribute to the team’s tournament best round-three play. Knoll tied for 29th place and shot a 75-73-72-220 card. Beverly finished tied for 34th place and shot a 74-75-72-221 card.

Senior Riley Hayfield competed in his first tournament of the season and lead the Hornets with a 70 after the first round. He finished the tournament with a tied for 38th place and shot a 70-77-76-223.

Freshman Zach Liberatore also got his first collegiate golf tournament experience at Nick Watney and competed as an individual in the tournament. He finished in 57th place and shot a 80-75-78-233 for the tournament.

University of the Pacific dominated the tournament and won by 20 strokes over second place Fresno State. Byron Meth of Pacific came in first place by one stroke shooting 10-under par for the tournament.

Men’s golf continues their season Oct. 20 at the Bill Cullum Invitational at Wood Ranch GC in Simi Valley.