September 25, 2012
DUNCAN, Okla. – One Rattler was one stroke away from claiming the Territory Classic.
Freshman Kirby Gorzell (San Antonio), who finished round one of the Territory Classic tied for eighth place, fared even better in round two, shooting a 72 to jump into a tie for second place.
Gorzell’s total score of 146 was just one stroke above the tournament’s first-place finisher, Patrick Russo of Texas A&M-Commerce. Gorzell was one of two Rattlers with a Top-10 finish, as fellow freshman Alex Bissaro (San Antonio) finished in seventh place with a final score of 148.
The Territory Classic marked the second time the freshmen duo of Gorzell and Bissaro led St. Mary’s, as the Rattlers finished in seventh place for the tournament out of 12 competing teams. St. Mary’s team score of 608 was only shades above the tournament’s winner, Incarnate Word, which won the Territory Classic at 603 followed by Abilene Christian and Midwestern State.
Shawn Bennett (Jr., Marion, Texas) remained in the same standing after round two as he did in round one, tied for 26th place, with a final score of 153. Matthew Van Winkle (So., Castroville, Texas) improved his stroke in round two, shooting an 80 to bring him to 51st place. Chris Contreras (Jr., San Antonio) was disqualified from competing in round two, while Jason Slater-Barrera (Fr., San Antonio) finished the tournament tied for 36th place after shooting 76 and 80 for rounds one and two.
The Rattlers’ next tournament will take place Mon., Oct. 8 at the West Texas A&M Invitational in Amarillo, Texas.