The Cal State Northridge men’s golf team finished fourth after carding a final-round 288 at the Big West Championship while senior Doug Miller, junior Luis Kim and freshman Erik Jarvey earned All-Conference honors at the Tijeras Creek Golf Course in Rancho Santa Margarita April 24-25.
“I am happy with the way we played,” said head coach Jim Bracken. “This was our best tournament of the year and by far the best tournament of the spring.”
The Matadors, who were third after two rounds on Monday, finished their best round of the tournament on the third round, but could not hold off Long Beach State for third place.
The 49ers shot a final-round 283. Cal Poly, which led UC Irvine by 12 strokes after two rounds, finished with a final round 280 to win the tournament by 15 strokes at 11-under par 86.
Senior Amit Nat was the top CSUN finisher after carding a final-round even-par 72 to finish at one over-par 217. Nat, who was also seventh after Monday’s two rounds, had rounds of 71-74-72.
” (Nat) works as hard or harder than anyone on the team,” Bracken said. “This is the best he has played for in the three years that he has been here.”
Jarvey was next in ninth place after a final-round four under-par 68, which put him at two over-par 218 for the tournament. Jarvey also earned Honorable Mention All-Big West honors in his first year of collegiate golf.
“Eric is going to be a really good player,” Bracken said. “He still makes some mistakes, but once he learns course management, he will be a great golfer.”
Miller, who was named Second Team All-Big West, finished with a final-round three over-par 75 to finish the tournament in 10th place with rounds of 68-76-75–219.
“(Miller) should be happy with the way he finished,” Bracken said. “He hit the ball better than he did all year. He just could not make a put.”
Kim, also an Honorable Mention All-Big West selection, fell to 27th place after a final-round 73. Kim finished with rounds of 76-76-73.
Freshman Dean Tonneslan, who was tied for 21st after two rounds, struggled to a final-round 85 and finished in 34th-place.
Cal Poly senior Travis Bertoni, who was named Big West Men’s Golf Athlete of the Year for the third time in his career, led the Mustangs to a six-under par 66 in the final round for a 207.
That final round 66, however, was not the low round of the day. That went to Long Beach State senior Ryan Panichpakdee, who shot a Tijeras Creek Golf Club course record of 62.
His round included 12 birdies, with six apiece on the front nine holes and back nine holes. In addition to first and second round scores of 68 and 70, Panichpakdee took the individual title by seven strokes. His three-round total of 200 was 16 strokes under par.
The women’s golf team closed the Big West Championship with a final-round 325 but held onto fourth place as sophomore Jennifer Yoo earned All-Conference honors.
“I was very thrilled after the first day,” said head coach Bonnie Murphy. “We made it close on the second day but did not do as well on the third.”
Senior Kristin Smith finished in 14th place after rounds of 79-78-78 to finish at +19, 235.
“We were all out there cheering her (Smith) on while she was grinding,” Murphy said. “It was sad to see her career at CSUN come to an end.”
Junior Jasmine Koehler, who shot a 71 opening-round, fell to a final-round 86 and finished 20th at +24, 240.
Sophomore Katrina Sutton was 21st after shooting rounds of 82-78-81 to finish at +25, 241. Freshman Stephanie Aston tied for 24th place after shooting rounds of 89-75-82 to finish at +30, 246, and sophomore Jameliz Torres finished 30th after shooting rounds of 86-84-84 to finish at 254.
“I could not be more prod of this team,” Murphy said. ” I am looking forward to next season.”
After a dominating first day of competition, the UC Irvine women did not let up in the final round as the Anteaters took the team title. Individual champion Selanee’ Henderson led the team effort as the Anteaters won by 43 strokes over its closest competitor.
Individually, Henderson held off teammate Jane Chin on the final day to earn medalist honors at three-over par 219. Henderson had the best first round of anyone when she shot a 69 the first day, and concluded the tournament with back-to-back 75 rounds. Henderson was also named Big West Female Golfer of the Year.
Justin Satzman can be reached at sports_sundial@csun.edu.