TUCSON, Ariz. – The Santa Clara men's golf team beat several ranked opponents with a solid three days of play and claimed third place at the National Invitational Tournament, completed today at the 7,200-yard, par-72 Omni National Catalina Course in Tucson.

The Broncos' final round 297 gave them an 873 (+9) tournament total, two shots behind No. 28 New Mexico for second. No. 22 Cal won the event scoring an 8-under 856. "We needed this," head coach Rob Miller said. "It was nice to get some confidence back after getting beat down in Hawai'i."

Santa Clara bested seven teams ranked in Golfstat's top 74, including No. 23 San Diego State and No. 30 TCU. "We beat some good teams," Miller added. "The guys know they can do it."

Three Santa Clara golfers placed among the top 20 with Tyler Kertson and Hayden Shieh tying for 12th at 1-over 217. Kertson shot even-par 72 Monday that included an eagle-3 on the par-5, 535-yard fifth hole. He also led the 83-player field with 39 par rounds.

Carlos Briones finished one shot behind his teammates and tied for 17th at 2-over 218. He also eagled the fifth hole on Monday when he shot a 2-over 74.

"They all played steady the entire way. Three solid performances," Miller said. "That's what we're hoping for from those players. Those four have a lot of ability. When they perform, we do well."

After scoring even-par with identical rounds of 72 over the first two days, Gio Gandionco shot a 78 Monday and dropped into a tie for 34th at 222 (+6).

Drew Miller's tournament was highlighted by an eagle on the same fifth hole on Sunday, giving the Broncos a tournament-best three. Their 173 par rounds were also the most among the 15 teams by two over UTEP.

Iowa State's Scott Fernandez took home individual medalist honors with his 11-under 205, besting a pair of golfers by seven shots.

High winds and cooler temperatures forced elevated final round scores with Iowa State the only team to improve on its second round total. "It wasn't pretty out there," coach Miller noted. "We were at a disadvantage with the late tee times but the guys embraced the elements and played through it."

The Broncos get right back at it when they travel to Alabama to compete in the Auburn Tiger Invitational starting Sunday.

National Invitational Final Team Standings

1.      California (22)                292-279-285 = 856 (-8)

2.      New Mexico (28)            296-277-298 = 871 (+7)

3.      Santa Clara (106)          284-292-297 = 873 (+9)

4.      UTEP (100)                   287-290-297 = 874 (+10)

5.      Iowa State (57)              299-289-287 = 875 (+11)

6.      San Diego State (23)     298-281-300 = 879 (+15)

7.      TCU (30)                       289-295-296 = 880 (+16)

8.      San Diego (63)              294-288-299 = 881 (+17)

9.      Saint Mary's (102)          302-283-303 = 888 (+24)

T10.   Colorado State (74)       300-293-297 = 890 (+26)

T10.   New Mexico State (67)   283-296-311 = 890 (+26)

12.     Arizona (96)                   292-295-304 = 891 (+27)

13.     Oregon State (62)          300-295-297 = 892 (+28)

14.     San Jose State (126)     303-293-299 = 895 (+31)

15.     Wyoming (195)              310-303-311 = 924 (+60)

Santa Clara Individual Results

T12.   Tyler Kertson                 70-75-72 = 217 (+1)

T12.   Hayden Shieh                71-72-74 = 217 (+1)

T17.   Carlos Briones              71-73-74 = 218 (+2)

T34.   Gio Gandionco              72-72-78 = 222 (+6)

T70.   Drew Miller                    77-79-77 = 233 (+17)