SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – The Towson University men's golf team completed day one of the Ross Collegiate Classic, finishing 36 holes of play with a score of 595 (+19) after rounds of 305 and 290 to tie for ninth overall. Combined the Tigers recorded 26 birdies throughout two rounds.
"Proud of the guys grind at the end of the day today to keep us respectable," head coach
Mike Larkin commented.
The Black & Gold's 15 stroke improvement between rounds was backed by five Tigers shooting scores in the 70s or better for their second round.
The averages for the first two rounds of the tournament were 76.02 and 74.83, respectively.
Loyola Maryland sits atop the 16-team field with a day one score of 565 (-11) after rounds of 289 and 276. Jackson Roman of Loyola is currently the top individual finisher after shooting 69-69.
Freshman
Joshua Galindo led the Tigers' day one efforts, wrapping up the first two rounds of his first collegiate tournament tied for 16
th. Galindo shot 74-71 for a score of 145 (+1). His 1-under par performance for the second round was supported by six birdies, five of which were earned during the front nine. The California native ranks second in the 100-player field for lowest par 4 average with a 3.85 (-3).
"Excited for Josh to start his college career on 74-71, getting his first under par round quickly," Larkin added about Galindo's performance.
Brad Riley had rounds of 71-77 to complete day one with a score of 148 (+4). The fifth year had a strong first round, birdying holes No. 2-6. He added another birdie to his scorecard during the back nine to total six throughout the first 18 holes.
Sky Aung shot 81-69, completing his first day of the tournament with a score of 150 (+6). The freshman fired a 69 (-3) for the second round which was aided by a strong front nine where he birdied four holes and parred the remaining five. His round two score also marks a collegiate career low and is the first time he has shot below 70 during his time as a Tiger.
"Also excited for Sky to get his career low, as well," Larkin stated on Aung.
Michael Matheson saw a seven-stroke improvement between rounds, shooting 80-73 for a score of 153 (+9). He recorded four total birdies across 36 holes.
Poon Nantsupawat (individual) had rounds of 79 and 75, recording 154 (+10). The sophomore tallied six birdies for the day.
Jai Sheth rounded out the squad with a 162 (+18) after rounds of 80 and 82.
"Had a lot of good signs out there today, but some competitive rust that we'll knock off quickly, " Larkin concluded.
The final 18 holes take place tomorrow morning, beginning at 9:15 a.m. with a shotgun start.
