Lopes set to make a run at WAC medalist honors on Sunday

Saturday, April 29

Mesa, Ariz.

Grand Canyon

WAC Championships

Photo by: Darryl Webb

Lopes set to make a run at WAC medalist honors on Sunday

4/29/2017 8:06:00 PM | Men's Golf

By: Mark Oshidari

MESA, Ariz. - The Grand Canyon men's golf team used another top team round on Saturday to position itself with several opportunities to take home an individual title at the Western Athletic Conference Championship.

"The boys played really well today," said head coach Mark Mueller. "We put ourselves in a great position going into tomorrow."

While Kyle Cornett of Seattle enters the final round on Sunday in first-place with a 141 total, he's followed by four Lopes in Vinnie Murphy (142), Hayden Webb (144), Billy Comeaux (144) and Jake Chanen (144). Even GCU's final golfer, Matt McClung is in 11^th place (147) and has an outside chance at medalist honors, just six shots behind the leader.

"Jake did a great job of getting back to even par, I was very proud of him," said Mueller. "Matty had five birdies on the back nine today to really get something going. Vinnie once again was solid all day, tomorrow he will make some putts and take it deep. Hayden really battled back today and I'm happy for him. He doubled the last hole but will be ready to bounce back tomorrow. Billy had it going today and he will finish it off."

The second round was all about consistency again, as Murphy, Comeaux and Chanen all shot matching even-par 71s. The GCU trio would tie for the lowest second-round score of the day.

McClung was in the first group to tee off and improved on this first round score, this timing coming in with a +2, 73. Webb had another solid round before tripping up a bit on the final hole but still managed a 75.

While not eligible for the WAC team title, the Lopes are putting together an impressive tournament. Entering the final round, four Lopes are in the top-4. Murphy (2^nd), Webb (T4), Comeaux (T4), Chanen (T4) and McClung (T11).

"I am looking forward to tomorrow to see these guys compete and get after it," said Mueller. "I am thankful for Billy and Hayden, these four years have been great and really love coaching them."

As a team, the Lopes would have matching first and second round scores of 286 for a 572 total. That number would result in GCU taking a 13-shot lead into Sunday's final round.

GCU will tee off on Sunday between 8-8:30am from the first tee at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa.