The Liberty Flames men’s golf team finished the first day of the NCAA Corvallis Regional tied for eighth place, following play on May 18. Michael Lugiano led the team with a strong performance but closed with a double bogey on his final hole at Trysting Tree Golf Club.
This result puts Liberty just two shots behind the fifth-place teams, which is significant because only the top five teams after Wednesday’s conclusion will advance to the NCAA Men’s Golf National Championship at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California.
Lugiano, a sophomore and CUSA All-Conference first team selection, was in contention for the individual lead throughout most of Monday. He reached his last hole with five birdies and no bogeys but missed the green long on his approach shot and ended up with a double bogey. Lugiano is now tied for seventh place individually after shooting a 3-under-par 68, marking his twelfth sub-70 round this season.
As a group, Liberty posted an overall score of 2-under-par 282. The team lost ground on their final hole, collectively playing it at four-over par and dropping out of one of the coveted top five spots. Brett Reid and Silas Haarer are both tied for thirty-third place after recording even-par rounds of 71. Ike Joy finished at one-over-par (72), while Josh Ryan carded a two-over-par (73).
Purdue leads all teams following an opening-round score of twelve-under-par (272). Arkansas and Oklahoma share second place at nine-under (275), while host Oregon State sits fourth with an eight-under total (276). Charlotte and San Diego are currently sharing fifth position with four-under scores.
The Flames return to action Tuesday morning alongside Georgia Southern and Xavier as they seek to improve their standing in Round Two.
