Linksters lock on tourney for 3rd time

By CRAIG YETSKO
Collegian Sports Writer

The Penn State men's golf team succeeded in completing the goal it set before traveling to the Loyola College Golf Invitational which began on Monday -- it achieved the three-peat.

With a final score of 601, the Lions finished 10 strokes below second-place William and Mary and continued their three-year dominance at the Invitational, which concluded Tuesday.

Coach Greg Nye said he was very happy with his team's two-day performance. He said the team's preparation was crucial to its success.

"We had a competitive plan, and we did a good job in the practice round," Nye said, adding the practice round was important to his team because it helped develop strategy on the golf course.

Junior Dirk Ayers led the Lions with a score of 149 (75-74), placing second in the individual scoring. Nye said although Ayers was solid, he could have placed first if his putting game was a little stronger.

"He didn't putt really well," Nye said, "but he struck the ball well."

The tandem of juniors Jorge Pelaez and Mike Banzhoff provided the spark for the Lions in the first round. Pelaez shot a 72, while Banzhoff fired a 73.

"Pelaez and Banzhoff were the key to the first round," Nye said.

Pelaez said the individual play reflected how the team played.

"On the first day, we all shot well," he said, "but on the second day, we struggled as a team."

Pelaez added the Lions gave some teams a chance to come back during the final nine holes in the second round.

"If we played to our potential, we could have won by 25 strokes," he said.

Junior Jeff Diehl finished third with a score of 150 (74-76). Nye characterized his play as "resourceful."

"He didn't strike the ball really well, but played the par fives well," he said.

Junior Adam Decker placed 12th in the tournament with a two-day score of 154 (76-78). Nye said the key facets of his game -- putting and ball-striking -- were off.

"He just had a bad tournament," he said.