Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State University
62nd Western Intercollegiate
Montanez Turns Up The Heat At Western Intercollegiate
3/27/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
March 26, 2008
Santa Cruz, Calif. - Long Beach State's Ricky Montanez worked with Mother Nature as strong winds progressed throughout the day to shoot a four-under par 68 in the second round to finish tied for 35th place at the 62nd Western Intercollegiate. Montanez shot an 11-over 83 in the opening round at the Pasatiempo Golf Club as he tied for 85th to gain considerable ground in the standings. The 68 in the second round marked Montanez's lowest low score in his first collegiate year.
"Ricky played an awesome round in the afternoon," said LBSU Head Coach Bob Livingstone. "This was his first under par round in college golf, and what course to do that on, particularly in those conditions."
Issei Suenaga continued with his improved play as he started the day tied for 35th after shooting a 75 in the opening round, but fell 10 spots as he recorded a five-over 77 in the second round to finish tied for 45th. Michael Drake carded a two-over 74 in the first round and a seven-over 79 in the second to finish the day tied at 51st. Karl Katnik is currently tied for 70th and Jeremy Keller is in 87th.
As a team, the 49ers moved up from 15th place to 13th, after recording a 308 in the opening round and came back to improve by five shots. Michigan State currently stands in first place with a 567 as the Spartans hold a strong 14-shot lead over second place Saint Mary's. Mike McRae of Saint Mary's is also in first place as he holds a one-shot lead with a two-round score of 135.
"I am proud of the guys for hanging tough and playing better in the afternoon," said Livingstone. "The wind kicked up to about 20 MPH and it was only in the high 50's. Most of the teams were considerably worse in the afternoon, but we were a few shots better. There is no reason we can't pick up 4 or 5 spots on Thursday."
Final round action continues on Thursday at 8 a.m.
Players Mentioned
