Spiders Shoot to Third at RedHawk Intercollegiate

Monday, October 14

Pittsburgh, PA

9:30 AM

University of Richmond

RedHawk Intercollegiate

10/15/2024 | Men's Golf

Results

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Slowly, but surely. Through three tournaments this fall, that's been the story of the Richmond Spiders men's golf team. After placing fifth in the season-opening Golfweek Fall Challenge and following it up with a fourth-place result at the Nemacolin Collegiate Invitational, Richmond rose to a third-place finish at the RedHawk Intercollegiate Tuesday. The Spiders played the 54-hole event in a team score of 9-under par (843), ahead of 13 teams in the 16-team field, and trailing only Georgia Southern (-15) and champion Marquette (-16).

"We're getting better with each event," said coach Adam Decker. "The stats show that we're making a lot of birdies, which is great. All the guys contributed to the effort as well. Guys pushing each other at home continues to be an important piece of the team improving steadily."

A trio of Spiders finished in red figures, led by freshman Carson Baez at 5-under par (208). Baez sandwiched a 5-under round of 66 — which equaled the 14th-best round in program history — between even-par 71s. He tied for sixth on the individual leaderboard.

"My game was all around really consistent this week," said Baez. "I can confidently say my long irons on the tough par 3s were working well. On top of that, I drove and chipped it really well. Ultimately, my mental fortitude was strong in the unusual weather for me," said the Florida native after playing three rounds in wind, rain, and even sleet at times at the Pittsburgh Field Club.

"Carson's making the adjustment to college golf nicely," said Decker. "He brings a lot to the team in terms of scoring ability. We expect him to be one of the top freshmen in the league."

Senior Patrick Isztwan secured the first top-10 finish of his career by tying for ninth at 3-under par (210). He followed a 3-under 68 in Round 1 with back-to-back even-par 71s. "Patrick played some great golf for us," said Decker. "It was steady golf, and he provides nice leadership for the squad."

Fellow senior Cole Ekert was two shots behind in a tie for 15th at 1-under par (212). It was Ekert's third top-15 finish in three events this season.

Junior Drew Carlin tied for 29th at 3-over par (216), one shot in front of sophomore Quin Polin, who tied for 31st as every Spider finished in the top half of the 84-person field.

"As a team, I thought we all fought super hard," said Baez. "I have high expectations for this team, and I am very confident they will be met very soon."

Richmond will return to action with Rounds 1 & 2 of the Furman Intercollegiate on Saturday in Greenville, S.C.