For Immediate Release: October 23, 2001
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Director of Athletic Media Relations (956) 381-2240

BRONCS  FINISH STRONG, 6TH AT LA. TECH INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

CALHOUN, LA –The University of Texas-Pan American’s men’s golf team saved their best round for last on the second and final day of play Tuesday at the Louisiana Tech Invitational Tournament.

The Broncs’ third-round total of 299 was the best score any team posted on the final day of play. It lifted the Broncs into a sixth-place finish with a 54-hole total of 925.

Oklahoma Christian won the NAIA division of the tournament with a score of 897. Samford won the NCAA division at 906, followed by Tennessee-Chattanooga and Air Force at 913, Louisiana Tech at 914, and Centenary at 920.

Santiago DeLarrea’s final round of 72 was the Broncs’ best round of the tournament. It left him with a 54-hole total of 229, and a tie for 14^th place overall. Ben Piper shot a 74 Tuesday, good for 231 and a tie for 19^th place. John Huerta tied for 28^th by shooting 79 on the final day and 233 overall. Ricky Benavides shot a 74 Tuesday and tied for 37^th at 235, while Omar Halldorsson tied for 56^th with an 82 Tuesday and a score of 242 overall.

"It was good to see the guys play well the last day, especially since it's usually more difficult because the course is usually set up harder," said UTPA Head Coach Mark Gaynor. "I was glad to see us come through and show some pride with a good round."

The Broncs will return to action February 17^th at the Southwest State Classic at San Marcos, TX.

                                                                     UTPA SCORES

Santiago DeLarrea              80-77-72-229, Tie 14th
Ben Piper                            80-77-74-231, Tie 19th
John Huerta                        76-78-79-233, Tie 28th
Ricky Benavides                 82-79-74-235, Tie 37th
Omar Halldorsson              79-81-82-242, Tie 56th

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