LAS CRUCES, N.M. - Behind two top three finishes from Matt McClung (-11) and Jake Chanen (-6), the Grand Canyon men's golf team claimed the Herb Wimberly Intercollegiate by 14 strokes over the rest of the 14-team field. The Lopes posted a team score of 15 below par, with runner-up UTEP finishing 1 under par.
"It was just a great team win this week," head coach Mark Mueller said. "The boys really showed some true grit this afternoon. They really hung tough and battled all afternoon. I love seeing these guys fight like that and give that kind of effort. Winning two out of our first four tournaments is an amazing accomplishment."
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Matt McClung won the
tournament's individual title.
Grand Canyon posted the best round of any team throughout the tournament on the opening day, finishing with a score of 277 (-4). McClung posted the best single-round score of the tournament with a 6-under 65. After going even through the front nine, McClung birdied four holes in the back nine and added in an eagle on the 16th hole. Over the whole three-round tournament, McClung logged 14 birdies and one eagle.
"This is an incredible feeling to win my first tournament," McClung said. "I'm thankful to have supportive family and friends. This is huge for us as a program. It's great to see all my hard work and the team's hard work pay off. We have an outstanding coaching staff that keeps us calm and focused on the course."
Jake Chanen finished third on the leaderboards, posting a 69 (-2) in all three rounds to finish 6-under for the tournament. Rounding out the individual scoring for the Lopes was Vinnie Murphy (tied-7th, E), Billy Comeaux (tied-24th, 5) and Hayden Webb (tied-39th, 9).
"Matt had a special week, and it was so much fun to watch," Mueller said. "Jake was really good all week. Vinnie battled to keep it around even. Billy hung tough this afternoon and got in a great score. Hayden kept us in it with a 71 in the first round."
Grand Canyon improved on last year's second-place finish in the same tournament, claiming the title this year.
The Lopes have this weekend off from tournament action before traveling to Stockton, Calif. for the Pacific Invitational on Thursday, Oct. 27.
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