Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. File photo of Ryan Rucinski at the 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship.
St. Augustine, Fla. - - Getting out on a course for the first time for the 2016-17 season, the Wilmington University golf team shot a 300-304 and sit in 16th place after the first two rounds at the Jay Jennison Cup hosted by Flagler College.
Playing on the Slammer and Squire course at the World Golf Village Resort, the Wildcats combined 604 on Monday is good enough for a +28 on the par 72, 6,939 yard course.
West Florida leads the field of 17 teams after two rounds, shooting a 282-288 for a 570 (-6). Barry sits in second with a 572 (-4) while Newberry rounds out the top three teams with a 575 (-1).
Sophomore Ryan Rucinski leads the Wildcats by sitting in a tie for 38th overall, shooting a 75-73 for a two-round score of 148 (+4). Junior Joey Russo is tied for 52nd overall after also improving his second round by two strokes, shooting a 76-74 for a 150 (+6) on Monday.
Newcomer Matthew Kettleson had the best first round for the Wildcats and sat in a tie for 21st after 18 holes with a 72, but shot a 79 for a 151 (+7) two-round total to sit in a tie for 59th overall.
Fellow newcomer Braden McKay rounded out the Wildcats scoring in both rounds on Monday, shooting a 77-78 for a 155 (+11). McKay will start Tuesday's final round in 76th place. Junior Troy Miller completed the Wildcats on Monday, shooting a 78-81 for a 159 (+15) in the first two rounds. He is in 81st overall.
The third and final round will take place on Tuesday morning at the Slammer and Squire. They will be paired with Embry Riddle and will tee-off on the back-nine starting at 7:45 a.m.