AGGIE GOLFERS FINISH NINTH AT BIG WEST CHAMPIONSHIPS

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. — Utah State’s golf team posted its best round of the tournament shooting a 301 on the final day of the Big West Conference Men’s Golf Championships here on Tuesday.

Brett Black led the way on the final 18 holes as he carded a two-over par 74 en route to a 226 total and a tie for 26th place. Todd Saukkola of Long Beach State won medalist honors with a 209 as he defeated UC Irvine’s Vinnie Poncino in a playoff for the individual victory.

LBSU won the team title, defeating UC RIverside in a playoff as well. Both teams finished the 54 holes at 864, while CS Northridge was third at 874. Utah State finished at 931.

USU counted four rounds of 76 or better on the last day as Cody Huot added a 75, while Preston Otte and Devin Daniels each shot 76. Jason Blair’s 81 did not count in the team score.

Huot tied for 30th overall with a 228 total, while Ottte tied for 37th at 239, Blair finished 42nd at 243 and Daniels tied for 44th at 247.

The Aggies cut 16 shots off of its opening round en route to the 301. The tournament concluded USU’s season.

Big West Men’s ChampionshipsRancho Santa Margarita, Calif.Tijeras Creek Golf Course

Team Standings*1. Long Beach State 287-294-283–8642. UC Riverside 286-293-285–8643. CS Northridge 293-298-283–8744. UC Santa Barbara 288-297-294–8795. Pacific 292-285-304–8816. Idaho 289-304-292–8857. Cal Poly 287-302-297–8868. UC Irvine 292-300-295–8879. UTAH STATE 317-313-301–931* – won playoff

Individual Leaders*1. Todd Saukkola, LBSU 70-71-68–2092. Vinnie Poncino, UCI 68-71-70–2093. Brad Uptgraft, CSN 71-75-66–2124. Doug Miller, CSN 73-71-69–2134. Chris Wells, UOP 71-68-74–213* – won playoff

Utah State Individualst26. Brett Black 77-75-74–226t30. Cody Huot 74-79-75–228t37. Preston Otte 82-81-76–23942. Jason Blair 84-78-81–243t44. Devin Daniels 86-85-76–247