Huskers Fifth at Kansas Invitational

The <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>Nebraska men’s golf team posted a two-round total of 587 and sits in fifth place after 36 holes of the 13-team Kansas Invitational at Alvamar Golf Club in Lawrence.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

 

The Huskers opened the day with a round of 289 and were tied for the first round lead. Nebraska fell back to fifth place following a second round of 298, but the 587 total leaves it just seven shots behind team leader Texas-San Antonio. Host Kansas is second at 581, followed by Kansas State at 583, Houston (586), Nebraska and Wichita State (591).

 

Individually, Nebraska was led on Monday by junior Judd Cornell who fired rounds of 70 and 74 to complete two rounds at even-par 144. His total leaves him a tie for sixth place, two strokes behind individual leaders Matt VanCleave of Kansas State and John Elizondo of Texas-San Antonio who are both at 142. Three golfers are tied for third at 143. Cornell finished second last week at the Fairway Club Invitational, Nebraska’s first tournament of the fall season.

 

Sophomore Ryan Lenahan is tied for 12th after rounds of 70 and 76, followed by Brady Schnell who is tied for 20th at 148 (73-75). The Husker team lineup is rounded out by freshman Chris Bruening (76-76?152, tie 41st) and sophomore Tom Bethel (82-73?155, tie 56th). Sophomore Drew Reynolds is competing as an individual and is in 19th place after rounds of 74 and 73 on Monday.

 

Nebraska Coach Bill Spangler is pleased with the Huskers’ position heading into the final round.

 

“We were tied for the lead after the opening round, so obviously we would like to be a little closer to the lead,” Spangler said. “But we have some belief going on right now on our team and that is good to see. Our guys are confident in themselves right now and expect to play well tomorrow.”

 

The Kansas Invitational concludes on Tuesday with the final 18 holes over the par-72, 6,950-yard Alvamar layout.

 

Team Results

 1.        Texas-San Antonio         580
 2.        Kansas                         581
 3.        Kansas State                583
 4.        Houston                        586 
 5.        Nebraska                      587 (289-298)
 6.        Wichita State                591
 7.        Northern Iowa                598
 8.        Illinois State                  603
 9.        Oklahoma City               605
 10.       UMKC                           606
 11.       Western Kentucky         607
 12.       St. Louis                       608 
 13.       South Dakota State        643

 

Individual Leaders

1.         Matt VanCleave, KSU     71-71?142

            John Elizondo, UTSA     70-72?142

3.         Kevin Ward, KU             71-72?143

            Pablo Acuna, Houston    72-71?143

            Barrett Martens, KU       75-68?143

 

Nebraska Golfers

T6.        Judd Cornell                  70-74?144

T12.      Ryan Lenahan               70-76?146

T20.      Brady Schnell                73-75?148

T41.      Chris Bruening               76-76?152

T56.      Tom Bethel                    82-73?155

 

Individual

19.        Drew Reynolds              74-73?147