LAS VEGAS – Looking to begin the spring season on a good note, the Colorado Christian posted a solid results at the Las Vegas Desert Invitational with improvement on the horizon.
The Cougars placed seventh in a 14-team field that featured seven teams ranked among the nation's top 50. In addition, they were the third best RMAC team of the seven conference teams that traveled to Sin City for the 54-hole event.
Colorado Christian shot a three round total of 884 (+20). Individually, Zach Slayton finished a team best tied for 16th after carding a 218 (+2).
Central Missouri, from the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association, ran away with the team title with an 18-under par total of 847.
ROUND ONE RECAP: Dylan Arthur carded his best round of his young collegiate career by firing a four-under par 68. His round featured six birdies.
Slayton started his tournament with 74 (+2) while the duo of Sam Nolley and Christopher Gleason each carded a 75. Mason Richter had a stretch of 11 straight par holes as he registered an 18-hole total of 77 (+5).
As a team the Cougars shot a 292 (+4) as they were tied for the seventh position with Colorado School of Mines and Colorado Mesa.
ROUND TWO RECAP: A steady effort for the squad as each of the top four scoring golfers were hoovering around par. Slayton led the way with a one-under 71 in a round that featured 13 pars and three birdies.
Arthur tied for a team best five birdies as he came-in at even-par 72. Gleason and Richter each recorded an eagle, with Richter also tallying five birdies, as both notched a round of 73 (+1). Nolley battled his way through a round of 79 (+7).
After the first 36 holes, the Cougars were in eighth place with a two round total of 581 (+5). Teams between the sixth and ninth positions were within seven strokes of each other.
FINAL ROUND RECAP: Windy conditions made low scores tough to come by as the event came to a finish. Ritcher had the best round, with six birdies, en route to a two-under par 70. He was one of just four golfers to shoot 70 or better during the last round.
Slayton's four birdies aided in his round of one-over 73. Gleason registered a 77 while Nolly and Arthur fought their way to an 83 (+11) to close out the event.
Colorado Christian moved up one spot as they finished one stroke better than RMAC foe Fort Lewis and two shots behind Colorado Mesa.
INSIDE THE SCORES
- Colorado Christian 3.10 scoring average on par three holes was tied for third
- Arthur had a team best 11 birdies in the event
- Slayton registered 26 holes at par which was second best among all competitors
UP NEXT: The Cougars take a two week break before playing the Saint Martin's Invitational in Lacey, WA.
