UTB-TSC: Scorpions play host to RRAC men's golf tournament at Laguna Vista
Our Lady of the Lake and Texas Wesleyan are expected to battle for the top spot in the Red River Athletic Conference men's golf tournament, which gets under way Monday at the South Padre Island Golf Club in Laguna Vista.
The six five-man men's golf teams in the RRAC will play 36 holes Monday and 18 holes Tuesday. The teams will tee it up in 10 groups of three in a shotgun start at 8 a.m.
UTB-TSC is the host school for the event.
It's the first time UTB-TSC has played host to the conference tournament. The team champion and individual medalist qualify for the NAIA men's golf national championship May 17 through 21 in Silvis, Ill.
Texas Wesleyan is the defending champion. The Rams are ranked No. 6 by GolfStat and No. 11 in the NAIA coaches' top 25 poll. They have a record of 157-8 against NAIA opponents. TWU is led by Armando Villarreal, who is ranked nationally in several categories, and Joel Thelen, who has received RRAC golfer of the week honors.
Our Lady of the Lake is ranked No. 18 nationally by GolfStat and No. 10 in the NAIA poll. They have a record of 149-6 against NAIA competition. Aaron Flores is the defending conference medalist and teammate Nick Chacon has been named RRAC golfer of the week twice. Each is ranked in several national categories.
UTB-TSC hopes to surprise TWU and OLLU in the course they are familiar with. The Scorpions practice twice a week at the South Padre Island Golf Club in preparation for the conference tournament. UTB-TSC is ranked No. 45 by GolfStat and has a record of 121-44 against NAIA teams.
Brothers Vince, Marcus and Eric Cavazos, Adam Haley and Anthony Milligan will compete for the Scorpions.
Golfers from TWU, OLLU and UTB-TSC will play in threesomes Monday. The other three participating schools -- Northwood, Texas College and University of the Southwest -- will play in groups Monday.
Scores after the first two rounds Monday will determine the pairings of teams for Tuesday's final round.
