MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - - The Wilmington University golf team shot another 309 in the third round of The Battle at the Shores, finishing in 14th with a three-round score of 918 (+66) at the Normandy Shores Golf Club hosted by Barry University.
The Wildcats shot 309-300-309 for their 918 (+66), finishing ahead of Tampa (924), St. Thomas Aquinas (928), Le Moyne (930), and Eckerd (961).
Senior Zac Moore led the Wildcats with a 72 on Tuesday, finishing the tournament in 36th overall with a 73-76-72 for a 221 (8). On Tuesday, he sank four birdies while starting on the back nine, before hitting six straight pars to start the front. But a bogey on the par-four seventh and a double-bogey on the final hole of the day brought Moore to a 72 (+1).
Senior Joey Russo shot a 77 on Tuesday, finishing in a tie for 63rd overall with a 79-76-77 for a 232 (+19). He started the day with three straight bogeys but sank a birdie on holes 15 and 18 to make the turn at one-over par. Russo birdies the par five third but four bogeys and a double-bogey on the final hole of the day gave Russo a 77 for the round.
Junior Ryan Rucinski was the third lowest Wildcat on Tuesday, shooting a 79 to finish in a tie for 80th overall. He posted scores of 84-77-79 for a 240 (+27). Rucinski started the day with a birdie on hole 10, but seven bogeys came before his next birdie on hole seven.
Sergio Ronchel and Enrique Valverde each shot an 81 on Tuesday, with Ronchel leading the Wildcats after the first two rounds. Ronchel finished in a tie for 54th overall, shooting a 76-71-81 for a 228 (+15). Valverde tied teammate Rucinski in a tie for 80th overall, shooting an 81-78-81 for a 240 (+27).
Nationally second ranked Florida Southern won The Battle at the Shores, shooting a 839 (-13) to hold of sixth ranked Lynn who posted an 840 (-12). Third ranked Nova Southeastern moved up a spot with a 279 on Tuesday, finishing with an 843 (-9) to round out the top three.
Florida Southern's the top ranked individual in the nation John VanDerLaan won on a playoff with teammate and ninth ranked individual John Coultas. VanDerLaan shot a 66-66-73 for a 205 (-8) while Coultas shot a 69-71-65 for his 205 (-8). VanDerLaan eagled the playoff 18 while Coultas only hit birdie.
The Wildcats will again compete against St. Thomas Aquinas in their next tournament, as they head to the Spartans' Spring Invitational at Rum Pointe Golf Course in Berlin, Maryland starting on Saturday.
AGATE
Battle at the Shores:
14. Wilmington – 309-300-309 – 918 (+66)
36. Zac Moore – 73-76-72 – 221 (+8)
T54. Sergio Ronchel – 76-71-81 – 228 (+15)
T63. Joey Russo – 79-76-77 – 232 (+19)
T80. Ryan Rucinsko – 84-77-79 – 240 (+27)
T80. Enrique Valverde – 81-78-81 – 240 (+27)