TMU Golf returns to the course at Warrior Invitational

In their first tournament since October, TMU Men's and Women's Golf returned to competition on Monday and Tuesday at the Warrior Invitational. The tournament was held at La Purisima G.C. in Lompoc, the site of this year's Golden State Athletic Conference Championships.
 
The men's team proved to be every bit of a contender for the conference crown, after finishing in second place at the GSAC Championships by a single stroke last year, while the women's team continues to make strides now in its second season as a program.
 
Master's placed second out of six teams in the men's draw, while the women finished fourth out of seven.
 
"I'm proud of the way the men's team competed today," Master's Head Coach Jacob Hicks said of the Mustang men. "The guys fought to the bitter end. Saw some really nice putts holed down the stretch, even when things were not going as planned.
 
"We're not where we want to be, but I'm excited about the potential this team has. We showed a lot of competitive character."
 
After trailing No. 12 Ottawa University Arizona by three strokes following Monday's first round, the TMU men briefly took the lead early in Tuesday's round two. The Mustangs ultimately shaved three strokes off their first-round score before finishing in second place, 12 shots off the lead.
 
Jack Dudeck, who was tied-for-third after Monday's first round, shpt a one-under 71 on Tuesday to place second overall at three-over, two shots back of first.
 
"Jack played super solid," Hicks said. "He was the only player in the field not to take a double or worse and the only player to break par. I'm looking forward to seeing him defend his conference title at La Purisima in April."
 
Eric Martin was the other Mustang to finish in the top-10. He was in a tie-for-third with Dudeck and another player after Monday, before finishing tied-for-seventh after rounds of 76 and 78.
 
DonDon Bumacod (t-12th), Jacob Lewis (17th) and Callaway Winans (t-19th) also finished in the top-20.
 
The TMU women found themselves in fourth place after round one and held their position after Tuesday's second round.
 
"The girls had some bright moments out there but we do need to tighten up a few things," Hicks said. "Our approach shots hurt us."
 
Isabella Huff led the charge, reducing her first-round score by three strokes with a second-round 83 to finish tied-for-16th.
 
"Bella put together a nice round today," Hicks said. "She's really becoming a great player. I'm proud of all the work she has put in."
 
Sierra Pilgrim placed 22nd, putting together back-to-back rounds of 92.
 
Both Master's teams return to competition Feb. 21-22 when TMU partakes in the Las Vegas Shootout, hosted by Oklahoma City University, at Boulder Creek G.C. in Boulder City, Nevada.