PRIMM, Nev. (3/8/2016) -- Sophomore
Eric Macrow tallied a career-low 216 and the University of Detroit Mercy men's golf team made a strong push for first, but the Titans just came up short taking second place at the Jackrabbit Invitational on Tuesday.
The event was hosted by South Dakota State on the Par-72, 7,131-yard Desert course at Primm Valley Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Titans made up seven shots in the last nine holes to finish with an 868 (288-296-284), just one shot behind host SDSU. The 868 is a season low and the 11th best score in school history, while the 284 stands 16th in the school record book.
Macrow carded back-to-back 70's in the final two rounds for the 216 (76-70-70). Senior
Wil Wittmann also had a 2-under 70 on the final 18 and was 11th overall with a 218 (72-76-70), while senior
Josh Shaw posted a 220 (67-74-79) for a share of 18th.
Detroit led all teams with 56 birdies and also had two eagles and 139 pars.
The Titans will return to action in two weeks when they play in the Villanova Wildcat Spring Invite from March 28-29 at White Manor Country Club.
THE SCORECARDDetroit – 2nd of 9 (868)
Eric Macrow – T3rd (216)
Wil Wittmann T11th (218)
Josh Shaw – T18th (220)
Spencer Lendzion – T21st (222) (I)
Kyle Gaines – T26th (223)
David Thompson – T40th (227)
QUOTE OF THE DAY- "It was a team effort with low rounds from everyone through the two days. It was also a confidence building week, especially for Eric." – Head coach Luke LaFave '02
CONTINUING FROM THE FALL- Detroit ended the fall season by winning the Dayton Flyer Invitational and came within one stroke of tying for first in its spring opener.
CAREER MARK FOR MACROW- Eric Macrow set a few career marks in Las Vegas.
- His 216 was a career best by six strokes from the 222 he had posted on two occasions.
- He also had back-to-back rounds under par with a 2-under 70, which is also a new low by two shots.
- It was also his first career top-10 finish.
BIRDIE FIRE- The Titans led the field with 56 birdies, eight more than South Dakota State.
- Eric Macrow led all individuals with 15 birdies, while senior Josh Shaw was tied for second with 14.
EAGLE SOAR- The Titans had two eagles in the tournament as 14 were made in the two days.
- Redshirt junior David Thompson put in his third shot on the Par 5 7th hole, while senior Josh Shaw made his third shot on the Par 5 8th hole, both in round one.
TEAM SCORE- The Titans' 868 was the best score since tallying an 861 at the 2012 NYX Hoosier Invitational.
- UDM also had players post five rounds under par, including three 70's on the final 18.
- Detroit's +22, 4.15 average on the course's Par 4's was the second best mark in the field, while its -26, 4.57 mark on the Par 5's was third.
THE ENGLISHMAN- Senior Josh Shaw carded a career-best 5-under 67 in the first round.
- It was his best showing since registering a 72 at the 2013 Detroit Invitational.
- The 220 was his best mark by nine shots and it was his third career top-20 performance.
WITTMANN NEVER FAR BEHIND- Senior Wil Wittmann recorded two rounds at par or better in the event starting with an even-par 72 and finishing with a 2-under 70.
- His 11th-place effort was his 16th career top-20 finish.
THE FINAL WORD- "It was a very positive start to the spring season." – Head coach Luke LaFave '02
NEXT TIME OUT- Detroit will get a few more days of practice in before taking part in its next event, the Villanova Wildcat Spring Invite from March 28-29 at White Manor Country Club.
