March 23, 2009

TUCSON, Ariz. - California fought its way up to a fifth-place finish Monday at the Omni Tucson National Golf Club as Eric Mina ended as the Bears' golfer in a tie for 5th overall (-3), sinking three birdies in a 1-under final round.

"The guys did a very good job; they were very competitive today. We went in and just played some solid golf all the way through. Anybody that shot par or better really had it going," said Head Coach Steve Desimone. "Overall we got the chance to get back after it and we played a strong final round. It's good to be back on track. But we're glad to give up Bermuda greens and get out of the desert."

John Murphy put down four birdies that were offset by two bogies and a double bogey on the fifth hole, finishing even on the day and in the tournament (T11). Stephen Hale fired an even-par 72 to end in a tie for 25th (+3). Michael Jensen shot a plus-5 final round to end in 43rd (+7) and George Gandranata finished Monday at plus-6 in a tie for 68th (+13).

New Mexico won the event at -14, including a -9 from individual champion Nick Guyer, who carded a 66-71-70 - 207.

Next up for the Bears is the Western Intercollegiate this Sun.-Tues., hosted by San Jose State at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, Calif.

"We've historically played Pasatiempo real well; we're all looking forward to getting back at it," Desimone said.

CALIFORNIA SCORING
National Invitational Tournament (Hosted by Arizona)
Omni Tucson National Golf Club (Par 72, 7,094 yards)
Tucson, Ariz.

Team Place: 5th (of 15 teams) - after final round

Score: 283-293-292 - 868 (+4)

Individuals:

T5. Eric Mina 72-70-71 - 213 (-3)
T11. John Murphy 73-71-72 - 216 (E)
T25. Stephen Hale 70-77-72 - 219 (+3)
T43. Michael Jensen 68-78-77 - 223 (+7)
T68. George Gandranata 76-75-78 - 229 (+13)

Team Standings:
1. New Mexico 280-280-290 - 850 (-9)
2. Arizona 289-279-289 - 857 (-7)
3. TCU 285-283-293 - 861 (-3)
4. UNLV 286-277-300 - 863 (-1)
5. California 283-293-292 - 868 (+4)
6. Kent State 289-283-299 - 871 (+7)
7. Texas 282-293-297 - 872 (+8)
8. Colorado State 295-286-299 - 880 (+16)
9. Tulsa 290-297-296 - 883 (+19)
10. Arizona 290-291-304 - 885 (+21)
11. Baylor 291-290-306 - 887 (+23)
12. SMU 290-297-303 - 890 (+26)
13. Texas El Paso 297-293-311 - 901 (+37)
14. Houston 301-295-310 - 906 (+42)
15. Wyoming 310-294-303 - 919 (+55)