Written by: NMSU Athletic Dept.
STEVINSON, CA – With three players finishing in the top-10, the New Mexico State men's golf team won the University of Colorado-Stevinson Ranch Invitational in Stevinson, Calif., Tuesday, April 8.
The Aggies posted the best team score in the final round, coming from two strokes out of the lead after 36 holes to post an eight-stroke victory. It was NMSU's first win of the year, and its first since the Aggies won their own Herb Wimberly Intercollegiate in October 2006.
NMSU finished with a team score of 8-over-par, 872 (292-291-289) after registering a 1-over 289 on Tuesday. That bested No. 43 and second round leader St. Mary's (Calif.), which finished with an 880 score, with the host Buffaloes remaining in third with an 886 total.
"We had five players play great for us at the same time, and that's what we have been looking for all season," head coach Scott Lieberwirth said. "Tim (Madigan) has played great for us all year, and he did well for us today. He is going to be a great player here for a while."
Freshman Tim Madigan (Rio Rancho, N.M.) tied for second, a career best, with a 1-under-par 215 (74-71-70). His two consecutive sub-par scores led the Aggies to victory as it was the fifth and sixth time he has scored under par this season.
"He's just a good player, and he will continue to get better as time goes on," Lieberwirth said.
Senior Matt Edwards (Henderson, Nev.) fired 12 birdies in the three round tournament to bring in a 2-over-par, 218 (71-71-76) and shot under par for the fifth and sixth times this season, while he tied for seventh. He just missed his best finish of the year by one spot, which is a sixth place finish.
Sophomore Josh Stewart (Albuquerque, Eldorado HS) carded a 3-over-par, 219 (71-78-70) and came in at ninth place. He fired 10 birdies and an eagle during the tournament.
"Josh struggled in the second round of play, but came back and finished strong for us," Lieberwirth said. "It shows a lot when a player can do what Josh did."
Junior Kevin Lozares (Mountain View, Calif.) tied for 22nd in the tournament after he fired a 9-over-par 225 (76-71-78). The he shot in round two was a season low for Lozares and the tie for ninth is also a season best.
"Kevin was the missing link that we were looking for all season," Lieberwirth said. "He played great for us."
Junior Travis Reid (Clovis, N.M.) tied for 51st with a 16-over-par 232 (78-81-73).
The Aggies will conclude regular season play with the PING Cougar Intercollegiate in Provo, Utah, April 17-18.
