Lao leads new-look golf team into conference play

ORANGE, Calif. – Newly-appointed head coach Ming Lao will showcase a new-look Chapman University men's golf team in the season-opening SCIAC Preview tournament on Monday at La Sierra Ranch. The Panthers' nine-man roster, which features five newcomers, hopes to make a lasting impression on their conference foes prior to the SCIAC #1 tournament set to tee off on Saturday.

A pair of returning seniors highlight this year's golf roster as Rohan Bahri and Josh Hurst attempt to build upon impressive junior seasons and create memorable finale's to their Chapman careers. Bahri, who begins his fourth season competing on the Chapman squad, averaged a career-low score of 81 per round in 12 matches last season. Meanwhile, Hurst averaged the fourth-lowest score on the team last season after transferring from Orange Coast College. He showcased his ability to lead the team in the second round of the TMC Invite on Dec. 2 where he shot a career-best even par.

Joining the senior returners are Nickolas Gates and Kent Paisley, both of whom performed well in limited time on the links last season. Paisley, who competed in the final six matches of the season, averaged a 78 while finishing the season on a high-note with consecutive rounds of 75.

Filling out the rest of the roster is freshman Bryan Wise, joined by transfer-students Angel Casan, Giovanni Chiappano, Steven Meyer and Rohan Shah on the list of newcomers competing for Chapman for the first time on Monday.

Following Monday's competition, the Panthers will gear up for the SCIAC #1 on Feb. 15-16, hosted by La Verne at Sierra Lakes.

by Ryan Cavinder
Sports Information Assistant

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