Oct. 10, 2005
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BOISE, Idaho - The Mountain time zone sure seems to be a friendly place for the Santa Clara men's golf team, especially coming off of their tournament win in Utah two weeks ago. Today, at the Boise State Bronco Invitational at the Crane Creek Country Club in Boise, Idaho, Santa Clara bounced back from a difficult first round to finish the day in third place, only one shot back of co-leaders Boise State and Northern Colorado.
After shooting a 16-over-par 300 in the first round during a cold Idaho morning, the Broncos adjusted to the course, taming the small, sloping greens that had proved difficult with their fast surface and tricky breaks. A two-under score of 282 in the afternoon's second round kept the Broncos in third place but more importantly, it moved them from six strokes back after the first round all the way to only a single stroke back heading into Tuesday's final round.
"They made a nice comeback in the second round," head coach Rob Miller said about his team's performance on the day. "We had difficulty putting at the beginning there but it looked like they were getting used to the course and we putted much better in the second round. I think they are in good shape for tomorrow."
Senior Michael Nicoletti led the way for Santa Clara Monday as he carded a two-round total of 140 (-2) which put him in position for individual medalist honors. Nicoletti is currently tied for fourth, three strokes back of the leader, Graham De Laet of Boise State.
"Nicoletti was solid all day, he never got in any trouble and he hit the ball real well," Miller added on Nicoletti's day.
Junior Jong Yoon also fared well in the afternoon round, bouncing back from a seven-over score of 78 in the morning to card a four-under 67.
Santa Clara returns to the links tomorrow morning to begin the final round one stroke out of the lead. If two weeks ago, and even today's afternoon surge are any indications, the Broncos should feel pretty confident in where they stand.