Feb. 11, 2003

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's golf team wrapped up play at the UC Irvine Anteater Invitational Tuesday afternoon, firing a final round 324 in tough playing conditions after play was delayed early on due to rain.

Tuesday's final round was delayed 1 1/2 hours this morning due to rain in the Southern California area, pushing the start time back to 8:45 a.m. The rainy conditions led to high scores across the board as no team shot less than 300 on the final day of competition.

The Broncos' 324 gave them a three-round total of 930 which placed them in 11th place, just three strokes back of Cal State Northridge.

Blake Lugar was the top finisher for SCU, ending the tournament in a tie for ninth place with his two-day total of 6-over par, 222. John Colyar was the next highest finisher for the Broncos, ending the tournament in a tie for 38th place with his 18-over par total of 234.

Michael Nicoletti finished in a tie for 51st at 23-over par, while defending champion Matt Klenz finished the tournament with a 242, placing his in a tie for 56th. After struggling through a tough opening round, Justin Ahasic battled back to post a total of 252 which finished him in 60th place.

UC Riverside maintained its first-day lead and won the championship of the 23rd annual edition of the tournament. The Highlanders finished with a 54-hole total of 874, including a team score of 301 in the rain-delayed third round Tuesday.

UC Irvine finished second with a three-round total of 892 and UTEP was third at 895 in the 11-team field. UTEP's Chris Baryla won medalist honors with a 3-under total of 213, including an even-par 72 in Tuesday's final round. Eric Riehle of UC Riverside and Dan Swanson of UTEP tied for second at 216. No one in the 60-player field broke par Tuesday as Riehle was the only other player to shoot a 72 in the last round.

The Broncos will return to action on March 11-12 at the Sacramento State Invitational in Sacramento, Calif.