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May 16, 2012

Results

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Western Washington University fell four spots to seventh, but the Vikings are in solid position heading into the final day of stroke play Thursday at the NCAA II National Men's Golf Championship being held at The Cardinal Club.

The Vikings shot 3-over par 291 Wednesday for a 36-hole total of 578. They were led by Dylan Goodwin (Jr., Mukilteo/Kamiak) and Nick Varelia (Sr., Kent/Kentwood), who each shot 1-under par 71.

"We didn't play great," said WWU coach Steve Card (19th year). "We played the back nine in one over, but missed some opportunities on the front nine coming in."

The top eight teams after 54 holes advance to match-medal play Friday with quarterfinals and semifinals followed by the final round for the national title Saturday.

Chico State shot 11-under 277, the best round of the tournament, to take over the lead at 10-under 566 in the 20-team field. First-day leader Central Oklahoma is second, three shots behind, at 7-under 569 (290), and Cal State Stanislaus moved up to third at 3-under 573, shooting 279.

Nova Southeastern FL is fourth at 1-under 575 (284), and tied for fifth at 1-over 577 are Georgia College (288) and Barry FL (287).

Tied for eighth at 580, two strokes behind WWU, are St. Edward's TX (289) and South Carolina-Aiken (288), followed by four schools all within six shots of the Vikings.

"A lot can happen, there's going to be a lot of movement," Card said. "It's very volatile and it shows how much parity there is between the teams."

"We're going to tee off on the back nine, which I like. We need to do well there, make the turn in solid position and take advantage of the scoring opportunities on the front nine."

Goodwin is tied for 18th in medalist play at 143, and WWU's Sandy Vaughan (Jr., Seattle/O'Dea) is tied for 21st at 144 after shooting a 73.

Two Vikings, Craig Crawford (So., Stanwood/Highland Christian), who shot a 76, and Varelia, are tied for 41st at 147.

WWU's Jake Webb (Jr., Issaquah/Skyline), who shot a 77, is tied for 63rd at 150.

Central Oklahoma's Josh Creel continues as the medalist leader at 9-under 135 (70). He is one stroke ahead of Chico State's Eric Fazzetta, who carded a tourney-best 9-under 63 Wednesday.

WWU, which is making its first national appearance since 2008, advanced to nationals by placing fourth at the Central/West Regional.