Nick Delio was named Freshman of the Year last week, in addition to being selected to the First Team of the Big West Men’s All-Conference Golf Team. Delio finished fifth in the Big West Championship Tournament, shooting a 4-under, 212 (75-72-65). Delio’s last round 65 was the lowest round of the tournament.

“Nick played great,” said head coach Jim Bracken. “He had a great year and set the school scoring record, beating it by almost a shot.”

Delio finished the year with a 71.9 stroke average, beating the single season scoring average of 73.0 strokes set by Pete Sisich during the 2002-2003 season.

As a team, Northridge finished third in the tournament with a 9-over 873 after firing a final round of 284, their best of the tournament, moving them up from fourth place.

“We played well,” Bracken said. “We had one little lapse in the second round, taking too many shots on the last three or four holes. That lost our chance to win it.”

Junior Erik Jarvey finished in ninth place, carding an even-par 216 (71-75-70). Chris Satterlee, honored as a Big West Second Team selection, placed 14th at +4, 220 (73-72-75).

Senior Aaron Hobbs tied for 24th with a +9, 225 (70, 81, 74) and sophomore Clint Oleson placed 39th at +24, 240 (81-81-78).

Along with Hobbs, fellow seniors John Gilles and Kyle Nicolson have played their last season for the Matadors. Hobbs played in 10 tournaments this year, averaging a 74.7 stroke per round. Nicolson played in nine tournaments and won the individual title at the GADO North Texas Classic in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Feb. 18. Gilles finished the year with a 77.4 stroke per round average and played in five tournaments.

“Kyle and Aaron were our team captains and they displayed good leadership and a team concept,” Bracken said. “They were major contributors to the success of the team. Gilles worked as hard, or harder, than anyone and pushed others by the example he set.”

The selection process for the NCAA Regionals takes place today and Bracken said that Delio still has a chance to compete as an individual. Either way, Bracken is pleased with his team’s performance this season.

“We had a great year,” Bracken said. “We had a win, a few seconds and two individuals won tournaments this year, which no one has done since 2000. I think we can have an even better year next year.”