University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Lead Gopher Invitational After Two Rounds
9/16/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
The University of Minnesota men's golf team fired a second round 1-under 287 to take the lead after two rounds of the Gopher Invitational at Spring Hill Golf Club in Wayzata. The Gophers lead Stanford and SMU by two shots heading into tomorrow's final round at the par 72, 7,042-yard Spring Hill layout.
The Gophers stood in fourth place after the first round but rallied behind the dynamic senior tandem of Bronson La'Cassie and defending champion Niall Turner. Each senior carded a second-round 69. La'Cassie is in second place at 2-under 142, four shots behind SMU's Colt Knost. Despite extremely blustery conditions, Knost fired rounds of 71 and 67 for a two round total of 6-under 138.
Turner, who has suffered from strep throat all week, battled back after a first round 74 to fire his 3-under second round. He is fourth, five shots behind Knost. Junior Clayton Rask, playing as an individual, is tied for sixth at 2-over 136. Rask carded a 71 in the afternoon round. Sophomore Victor Almstrom fired a pair of 75s and is tied for 15th at 6-over 150.
Sophomore Andy Paulson struggled in the difficult morning conditions with an 81, but rallied in the afternoon with a solid 74. He is tied for 38th at 155. Freshman Ben Pisani, playing in his first collegiate event, is tied for 53rd at 160. Playing as individuals, sophomore Patrick Datz fired his best round as a Gopher with a second round 75 and is tied for 24th at 152. Freshman Thomas Campbell and sophomore Robbie Kelley are tied for 51st at 161. Freshman David Daly is tied for 55th at 161 and junior Michael Fiedler is 57th at 162. Fiedler carded a second round 73.
Tomorrow's final round begins at 8 a.m. Admission is free at Spring Hill. Live scoring is available on golfstat.com.
