September 18, 2007
DUNCAN, Okla. – Matt Vela finished seventh overall, helping St. Mary’s University to a third place finish on the second day of The Territory Classic, Tuesday afternoon in men’s golf action, played at The Territory Golf Club.
Vela (Fr., San Antonio), finished in the top-10 for the second straight tournament to start his collegiate career, placing seventh overall He shot a second round 74, to go with his first round 71 to finish five-over par. His 145 was just six strokes out of first place. Mitch Hendon of Texas Wesleyan earned medalist honors with a two-round total of 139, while teammate Paco Saracho was two strokes back at 141.
Jimmy Willingham (Sr., San Antonio) placed 20th with a 148, Alex Maurer (Jr., St. Louis, Mo.) was 36th with a 151, while James Grant (So., San Antonio) and Preston Akromis (Jr., San Antonio) tied for 51st with identical 153s.
Texas Wesleyan ran away with the team title, finishing 14 strokes ahead of Abilene Christian University for first place. St. Mary’s was just one stroke behind the Wildcats in third place overall with a 587.
Vela and the Rattlers will return to action on Monday, Oct. 1, when they compete in the Grand Canyon Fall Classic in Phoenix, Ariz.
The Territory Classic
Duncan, Okla.
Team Standings:
1. Texas Wesleyan 572 (+12), 2. Abilene Christian 586 (+26), 3. St. Mary’s 587 (+27), 4. Central Oklahoma 589 (+29), 5. Southwestern Oklahoma State 590 (+30), 6. St. Edward’s 592 (+32), 7. Cameron 594 (+34), 8. Delta State 596 (+36), Arkansas Tech 596 (+36), 10. Dallas Baptist 600 (+40), 11. Southeastern Oklahoma State 601 (+41), 12. Midwestern State 602 (+42), 13. Texas A&M-Commerce 617 (+57), 14. West Texas A&M 639 (+79).
Individual Standings: 1. Mitch Hendon (TWU) 139 (70-69), 2. Paco Saracho (TWU) 141 (72-69), 3. Jeff Howard (SEU) 142 (76-66), 4. Brent Cole (UCO) 143 (69-74), Scott Genoway (ATU) 143 (72-71).
St. Mary’s Individuals: t7. Matt Vela 145 (71-74), t20. Jimmy Willingham 148 (75-73), t36. Alex Maurer 151 (75-76), t51. James Grant 153 (74-79), t51. Preston Akromis 153 (84-69).