Vandals’ season ends at regionals

Idaho men’s golf ties for 10th at regionals, fails to advance to nationals

Even though the Idaho men’s golf team entered the NCAA San Diego Regional as the No. 10 seed, Idaho coach John Means didn’t want to finish tied for 10th, which Idaho did May 16 at Rancho Santa Fe, California.

After the Vandals won the Big Sky Conference Championship April 29 in Angels Camp, California, Means said Idaho still had more to accomplish this season.

“Getting to regionals is just part of the trip,” Means said. “It’s not the end.”

In order to advance to the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships May 29-June 3 in Bradenton, Florida, Idaho would have had to finish in the top five at regionals, which began May 14. Instead, it tied for 10th with San Diego.

Big Sky Freshman of the Year Dan Sutton tied for 21st to lead the Vandals at regionals. He shot a three-round, 3-over-par 219. Big Sky Player of the Year and sophomore Jared du Toit tied for 25th carding a 5-over-par 221. Senior Aaron Cockerill, who is a first team all-conference selection, finished his Vandal career posting a 9-over-par 225 to tie for 49th. Sophomore Ryan Porch, who is an honorable mention this season in the Big Sky, tied for 59th, shooting a 13-over-par 229, and junior Rylee Iacolucci, who earned a spot on the Big Sky’s second team, finished 74th, posting a 21-over-par 237.

Oklahoma won the regional by 20 strokes over second-place Arizona State. The Sooners fired a 21-under-par 843, while the Sun Devils scored a 1-under-par 863. Georgia Tech finished third with a 5-over-par 869, Georgia took fourth with a 6-over-par 870 and Virginia took the last national qualifying spot of the regional with a 10-over-par 874.

Garrett Cabeza can be reached at [email protected]

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