Invitational a preview of T-bird’s golf season
Garrett Muggy
The MCC men’s and women’s MCC Thunderbirds golf team competed in the first Southwestern Invitational, a contest held at Papago Park golf course in Phoenix on Sept. 28 and 29.The contest was the first preseason match of the fall before the regular season starts up in the spring.
“It’s a good measuring tool on how we will do for the regular seasons,” Coach John Guerrero said.
He also stated that the players were in form and played their best. The competion was in abundance at the meet.
“Sophomore Gavin Kwon captured medalist honors in the men’s division firing rounds of 72-71 for a 1-under 143 total,” Guerrero said.
Kwon led the men’s Thunderbirds to a 4th place finish (302-299-601), 10 strokes behind the eventual winner from South Mountain CC.
Kwon, who earned ACCAC Player of the Year honors last year, had a steady two days with two birdies and one bogey on the 7,333 yard desert layout.
Ryan Mahoney, a freshman coming out of Seton Catholic High School finished in a tie for third (75-70-145) in his first collegiate event.
Fellow freshmen teammates Kevin Witte, Craig Clifford and Mike De Angelo finished 9th, 15th and 18th respectfully.
“Last year’s ACCAC Player of the Year and current Mesa sophomore Monique Breault earned medalist honors (84-80-164) for her third career collegiate victory,” Guerrero said.
On the ladies side, the Lady Thunderbirds captured 1st place in the two team competition.
The highlight of the event was the sudden death tie breaker where Breault defeated teammate Jenny Murray on the first extra hole when Murray 3 putted from 30 feet.
Freshman Desiree Taylor, who came from Red Mountain High School finished 4th. Sophomore Brianna Hickman had the tournament low round of 79 on day two.
Next up on the schedule for both teams are dual matches with four year Division II powerhouse Grand Canyon University.
