SOUTH BEND, Ind. (9/3/2016) -- Freshmen
Scott Sparks and
Zack Tenerowicz both tied for the team lead as the University of Detroit Mercy men's golf team began the 2016-17 season at the Notre Dame Kick-Off Challenge on Saturday.
The Titans posted a 590 (297-293) in the three-team event with host Notre Dame and Horizon League rival Valparaiso participating. It was held on the Par 71, 7,023-yards Warren Golf Course.
"It was a very solid start to their careers for both Scott and Zack!," said head coach
Luke LaFave '02. "Overall, a lot of positives despite a mediocre team finish."
Tenerowicz opened his collegiate career with a 76 in round one, but then came back to post the best Titan score on the day with an even-par 71 in the afternoon for a 147 score and a share of 12th. Sparks was steady on the day with a 74 in the morning and a 2-over 73 in the second round to share the team lead with his classmate.
With the freshmen leading the team, it marked the first time since the 2008-09 campaign that a true freshman led Detroit Mercy in their collegiate debut. In 2008, Mark Hicks tied for the team lead at the John Piper Intercollegiate with future Big Break winner David Byrne as both carded a 221.
Senior
Spencer Lendzion finished in 15th place with a 149 (75-74), while junior
Eric Macrow was 17th with a 151 (72-79). Macrow paced the Titans on the opening 18 with a 1-over 72.
"Spencer was up and down, but was able to grind out two good scores and Eric played well for most the day, but finished poorly," added coach LaFave.
The Titans will be right back in action on Tuesday, Sept. 6, when the red, white and blue head back to the Hoosier State to play in Valparaiso's Crusader Classic.
