Central coast beauty gives Panthers a tranquil feat

LOMPOC, Calif. –  Chapman University men’s golfer Van Pierce claimed a share of third place at the conclusion of the three-day Cal Lutheran Kingsmen Invitational, held at the La Purisima Country Club, Sunday through Tuesday. Overall, the Panthers finished ninth in the tournament out of 15 schools.

In addition to finishing third, the junior led the field with nine birdies in the tournament. On the par-72 course, Pierce scored 228; finishing just 12-over after a total of three rounds of golf. This put him seven shots back from the tournament’s lowest score, a 5-over 221 by sophomore Tain Lee from Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

Pierce’s best round came on Day 2 of the Invitational, shooting just 2-over 74. Matching Pierce stroke-for-stroke once again was Ross Canavan of the University of Redlands, who also shot a 228 for the tournament. The two tied for first place at Los Serranos Country Club in a SCIAC event on March 7.

Aiding in the Panthers’ success was junior Travis Walker, finishing in a four-way tie for 37th place, shooting a total of 29-over par. Walker’s low score for the tournament was an 80 coming on the second day.

Freshman Addison Devone earned a share of 46th place, shooting 247 and 31-over. Senior Shawn Branson, finished in a three-way tie for 71st, shooting a total of 262 and 46-over par.

by Nicole Inal
Sports Information Intern

Tournament Results: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/mgolf/2009-10/stats/CLU-Tourney3.PDF