ARROYA GRANDE, Calif. - Utah State flexed its muscles on the back nine and held off the Tigers 3-2 Friday afternoon in the final round of the Lamkin Grip Match Play Golf Championship at the Cypress Ridge Golf Course.
"It wasn't fair," said Tiger coach Brian Yaniger. "They're a whole state. We're just a zip code."
It was the third and final round of the match play event, the first such competition in 15 years for the Tigers who generally favor stroke play tournaments. Towson opened with a 3-2 loss to the host Cal Poly Mustangs then came back to set down South Dakota State 3-2 before falling 3-2 to the Aggies.
"We had six days of really good golf," said Yaniger. "We played much better yesterday than today. There are days when the ball just doesn't go into the hole and today was one of them. We needed to face these stronger teams, though. They're all ranked way ahead of us. This trip will go a long way toward preparing us for the rest of the season."
The season continues next weekend when the Tigers return to stroke play as they host the 14th annual Fireline Towson University Invitational at Prospect Bay Country Club on Maryland's picturesque Eastern Shore.
Each Tiger claimed at least one victory in the Lamkin. Sophomore Matt Fry, playing in the top spot for Towson, carded 3&1 and 2&1 wins. Sophomore Joe Gunerman, playing number two, picked up his victory 5&4 against Utah State. Freshman Trevor Sluman posted a 6&5 win in the South Dakota State match. Senior Justin Koehler captured a 1 up match in his final round. Freshman DJ Honan was a double winner, posting victories of 3&2 and 4&2.
