OC Eagles, NSU in contention in Las Vegas Desert Classic
LAS VEGAS (March 3, 2019) – No. 9-ranked Oklahoma Christian didn’t play its best on the opening day of the Las Vegas Desert Classic on Sunday, but the Eagles did enough to keep themselves in contention in a power-packed field.
The Eagles posted a team score of 298 at Royal Links Golf Club’s Links Replica Course and stood in seventh place in the 15-team field, 11 shots behind the leader, No. 3 West Florida. West Florida held a three-shot lead over No. 10 St. Mary’s (Texas) and four over tournament host Missouri-St. Louis. Redlands (Calif.), Texas-Tyler and No. 22 Wingate (N.C.) were tied for fourth at 297.
Sophomore Andres Brictson led OC on Sunday, shooting an even-par 72 on the 6,962-yard course and recording four birdies in an eight-hole stretch on the back nine. He was tied for sixth in the 83-man field, five shots behind the individual leader, Harry Butler of West Florida.
OC seniors Trevor Norby and Juan Pallach each had three birdies en route to posting a 75, putting them in a tie for 27th. Senior Garrett White shot a 76 and was tied for 35th, while senior Cameron Brown’s 79 left him tied for 55th.
Two OC seniors, Ethan Smith and Grady Neal, are playing the tournament as individuals. Smith shot a 76 and was tied with White for 35th and Neal posted an 83. He was tied for 74th.
Led by Carlos Gomez and Ty Shelnut with rounds of 74 and Jax Johnson with a 76, Northeastern State shot 301 and was tied for sixth after the first round. Also counting was Tyler Ashman with a 77.
Cody Troutman shot 74 and Blake Murray 75 to lead the University of Central Oklahoma in the first round. The Bronchos shot 307 and are in 11th place. Alexander Hughes and Joe Lemieux each shot 79