TUCSON, Ariz. – Three Santa Clara men's golfers had below par scores and the Broncos completed round one of the National Invitational Tournament Saturday in second place with a 4-under 284 at the 7,200-yard, par-72 Omni National Catalina Course.
The Broncos' first round score is their second-lowest of the season behind a 282 in the first round of the Bill Cullum Invitational in October. Santa Clara is one shot behind New Mexico State heading into Sunday's second round.
Sophomore Tyler Kertson paced the Broncos with a 2-under 70 and is tied for third with six golfers, two shots behind New Mexico State's Luis Medina (68) and one behind UTEP's Jere Pelletier (69).
Hayden Shieh and Carlos Briones each scored a 1-under 71 to tie for 10th with five golfers while Gio Gandionco shot a first round even-par 72 to tie for 17th.
The Broncos were consistent in their play leading the 15-team field with 63 par rounds.
Second round action tees off from the first and 10th tees at 7:00 a.m. PT Sunday. Third and final round play will take place Monday. Live scoring is available at www.birdiefire.com.
A complete tournament recap and results will be posted on santaclarabroncos.com.
National Invitational 1st Round Standings
1. New Mexico State 283 (-5)
2. Santa Clara 284 (-4)
3. UTEP 287 (-1)
4. TCU 289 (+1)
T5. California 292 (+4)
T5. Arizona 292 (+4)
7. San Diego 294 (+6)
8. New Mexico 296 (+8)
9. San Diego State 298 (+10)
10. Iowa State 299 (+11)
11. Colorado State 300 (+12)
T11. Oregon State 300 (+12)
13. Saint Mary's 302 (+14)
14. San Jose State 303 (+15)
15. Wyoming 310 (+22)
Santa Clara Individual Results
T3. Tyler Kertson 70 (-2)
T10. Hayden Shieh 71 (-1)
T10. Carlos Briones 71 (-1)
T17. Gio Gandionco 72 (E)
T59. Drew Miller 77 (+5)
