Sept. 13, 2011
Results
HATTIESBURG - Jonathan Bale rebounded from a tough first day to shoot a five-under-par 66 Tuesday as Louisiana Tech finished eighth in the 15-team Sam Hall Intercollegiate hosted by Southern Mississippi at Hattiesburg Country Club.
One day after shooting 76 and 77 in the opening two rounds of the event, the senior came back to shoot is collegiate competition career low round of 66 which included six birdies and one bogey. His previous career best was a 68 shot at the 2009 David Toms Intercollegiate.
"I was proud of the way (Jonathan) turned it around after his first two rounds," said Tech head coach Jeff Parks. "I think the way he played today will give him some confidence as we move forward into the season."
Bale finished tied for 46th place along with teammate Cody Santone (74-71-74=219). Tech was paced by junior Sam Forgan (72-70-74) who finished tied for 34th with a three round total of 216. Travis Wilmore (72-70-76) and Jack Lempke (74-71-73) tied for 41st with 218 while true freshman Chandler Vilcheck (76-77-75) tied for 74th in his first collegiate competition.
"Overall, it was a disappointing performance (by our team)," Parks said. "I was expecting a little more. Either my expectations were too high or we didn't perform up to our capabilities. I don't think my expectations were too high. We had some bright spots, and hopefully, we will learn from it."
Tuesday's final round had its moments as the Bulldogs were in the red numbers for most of the day before some late struggles left them three-over-par for the day.
"We were doing pretty good for a while but got away from us," Parks said. "Some of it I think is being the first tournament of the year, but it was every one's first tournament so that's just an excuse. It does take a little while to get back into swing of it. We only have three tournaments left this fall to get the swing of it."
UAB shot an 11-under-par for the final round to win the event (836) followed by South Alabama (841), Louisiana-Lafayette (844), Memphis (845), Mississippi (846), Mississippi State (850), Southern Miss (860), LA Tech (861), Sam Houston State (862), UALR (865), Southeastern Louisiana (866), Arkansas State (867), UL-Monroe (882), Rice (888) and McNeese State (899).
Tech returns to action next week when they travel to Arlington to compete in the UTA Waterchase Invitational.
