Men’s Golf Remains in First Place After Friday’s Second Round at Visit Stockton Pacific Invitational

Derek Ackerman (photo by Jason Erickson - Utah Valley University)
Derek Ackerman (photo by Jason Erickson - Utah Valley University)

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Santa Clara men's golf team was able to extend its lead with Friday's impressive performance at the Visit Stockton Pacific Invitational.

Led by a 2-under 70 from freshman Zack Kaneshiro the 22nd-ranked Broncos increased their advantage over second-place and No. 29 BYU from one stroke to three with a 14-under 562 after the second-ound of the 19-team event, which is being competed at The Reserve at Spanos Park.

"We're obviously happy to be in first-place, especially considering our No. 1 player is not at his best," head coach Rob Miller said.

Derek Ackerman carded a second-round 71 and is tied for seventh at 5-under 139 among the 112 individuals in the field. Kaneshiro is one shot back and tied for 10th.

"Derek is a having a real solid tournament so far," Miller added. "He's made tremendous progress and has taken his game to another level this year."

Matt McCarty and Jack Avrit are tied for 17th at 2-under. McCarty carded a 70 and Avrit a 72.

"Both freshmen are contributing and Matt bounced back today with a 2-under," Miller continued. "Everybody's chipping and we're always happy to start the third round with a lead." 

Hayden Shieh, the fourth-ranked player in the nation according to Golfstat.com, shot a 73 and is tied for 30th with an even-par 144.

"It's nice to have Hayden get carried for a while instead of him having to carry everyone else," Miller said. "We're hoping he bounces back tomorrow and the rest of the guys keep up their solid play and we finish strong."

The Cougars are tied with Nevada in second, with totals of 11-under. The Wolfpack fired a 6-under 282 on Friday, the best round of the day.

Alex Lee of Fresno State leads the pack with a 9-under 135 (68-67) and opening-round leader Filip Lundell of Grand Canyon is second at 8-under (65-71).

Saturday's final round is set to tee off at 8 a.m.

Santa Clara Second Round Individual Results

T7.   Derek Ackerman          139 = 68-71 (-5)

T10. Zack Kaneshiro            140 = 70-70 (-4)

T17. Matt McCarty               142 = 72-70 (-2)

T17. Jack Avrit                    142 = 70-72 (-2)

T30. Hayden Shieh              144 = 71-73 (E)

T73. Will DelBiaggio*           149 = 76-73 (+5)

*competing as an individual

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