Feb. 25, 2008
HILTON HEAD, S.C. - The Kennesaw State men's golf team got their spring season off to a strong start Monday, posting a 595 team total to stand alone in third after the opening 36-holes of the Wexford Plantation Invitational.
The Owls consistent play, combining an opening round 297 with a second round 298, put them in contention for the tournament crown. They will play in the final group in Tuesday's closing round with tournament leader Furman (290-296) and second place Elon (298-292) who they trail by nine and five strokes respectively.
"Tomorrow is a big day for us because we are in the final group and within striking distance of the leader," said Kennesaw State head coach Blake Smart. "I will be looking for my upperclassmen to make the push for the win."
It was underclassman, Matthew Nagy, playing in his first collegiate event, who led the Owls on Monday. The freshman from Buena Vista, Fla., stands tied for sixth with teammate Oliver West after shooting a steady 73-73 for a four over-par 146 total. West opened with a team-low 70 and followed with an afternoon 76 for his 146.
"Nagy really came through big in the first two rounds of his collegiate career," added Smart on his freshman's first appearance. "He grinded all day, which kept us in the tournament."
Junior Michael Tulacz and sophomore transfer J.P. Putnam rounded out Monday's scoring for the Owls. Tulacz stands tied for 24th with a 151 after going 76-75, while Putnam (78-74) heads into the final round tied for 30th with a 152.
The Owls will be looking for their third top five finish of the season on Tuesday. They finished third at the season-opening Jaguar Intercollegiate and fifth at the prestigious Brickyard Collegiate in the fall.
Tuesday's final round will consist of 18 holes and will tee off with a morning shotgun start.
Wexford Plantation Invitational Day One Results
3 - Kennesaw State 297-298- 295
T6 - Matthew Nagy 73- 73-146
T6 - Oliver West 70-76-146
T24 - Michael Tulacz 76-75- 151
T30 - J.P. Putnam 78 - 74-152
T70 - Wesley Sheard 82 - 80-162
