PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. – The University of Arizona men's golf team concluded the opening round of the Saint Mary's Invitational on Monday with a score of 296 (+12), six strokes behind Gonzaga and Fresno State, who end the day tied for first. The Cats wrapped up Monday in a tie for third place. The team recorded 14 birdies, having three of five Cats score a birdie on hole 10. 
 
"The conditions became more and more challenging throughout the round," commented head men's golf coach Jim Anderson. "While we made our share of mistakes, the team was very composed and we competed all the way until the end. I think we can improve our speed on the greens tomorrow, and our scores should improve. I know our guys are looking forward to the chance to keep moving up the leaderboard. We need to stick to our game plan and make aggressive swings at specific, conservative targets."

Leading the Cats in day one of the competition was junior George Cunningham. The Tucson native carded a 72 (+1) and ends the day in a tie for sixth place. Cunningham recorded a trio of birdies throughout the day, and finished his final nine holes at even par. The junior matches his 18-hole season low he set last week at the Tavistock Collegiate Invitational.
 
Junior Ethan Marcus matched his season low 18-hole score today, recording a 73 (+2). Marcus recorded five birdies throughout the day and is tied for fourth in birdies made, one behind Eduardo Carrete and Tim Widing who are currently in a tie for the individual competition. Marcus recorded three consecutive birdies on hoels 10, 11, and 12, as well as birdieing holes 2 & 14. The Florida native is currently tied for 13th place.
 
Fellow junior Jordan Gumberg shot a 75 (+4) and will move on to day two in a tie for 29th place. Freshman David Laskin recorded a 76 (+5) and is tied for 44th place. Senior Redford Bobbitt is tied for 72nd place with a score of 80 (+9). The trio combined for six birdies throughout the competition.
 
Freshman Briggs Duce competed in the Saint Mary's Invitational as an individual. The Sierra Vista product is tied for 82nd with a score of 84 (+13).
 
The Cats will tee off for the second round tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. MST.

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