Golf team helps UCCS extend Steel and Silver lead

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs extended its lead over Colorado State-Pueblo in the Steel and Silver Series Saturday as the Mountain Lions golf team took third place at the Air Force JV Invitational.

The Thunderwolves finished in a tie for sixth. UCCS now leads the rivalry series 9-2.

Coming off a tough tournament in 100-degree Arizona heat on Monday and Tuesday, UCCS coach Phil Trujillo opted to play his ‘Bâ€^TM team this weekend. Of the players who teed it up for the Mountain Lions on Friday and Saturday, only Eric Winder had appeared as a member of the squad in a tournament previously this season.

UCCS was in second place after a first-round score of 292 Friday, but the team faded badly in the second round that afternoon, posting a 308. The Mountain Lions recovered somewhat in Saturdayâ€^TMs third round with a 299.

Division I Northern Colorado won the tournament with a 1-over par 865. Fort Lewis took second at 897, while UCCS was third at 899.

“A few shots here and there would have made the difference,” said UCCS junior Neil Huffaker. “Thatâ€^TMs how golf is. A few shots better is always the difference.”

Huffaker was the Mountain Lionsâ€^TM top finisher, shooting an even-par 216, which tied him with Fort Lewisâ€^TM Luke Tanner for third overall.

“I played well the first round,” said Huffaker. “I think I got ahead of myself the second and third round. Instead of thinking about the shot I was taking, I was looking ahead.”

Winder was tied for 15th at 225, while Joe Saliba shot a 229, Trent Daum came in at 230 and Barry Cornella was at 238.

Northern Colorado swept the top two individual spots as Tom Gempel shot a 5-under par 211 and Jordan Andrew shot a 214.