Saturday, April 6
Bryan, TX
36 Holes
Louisiana Tech University
at
The Aggie Invitational
Bulldogs in Third after 36 Holes at Aggie Invitational
4/6/2024 9:01:00 PM | Men's Golf
Niilo Maki-Petaja and Lake Juban are tied for second on the player leaderboard
BRYAN, Texas – Louisiana Tech jumped seven spots on the team leaderboard after a stellar second round in the Aggie Invitational, sitting in third place after 36 holes on a windy Saturday at the Traditions Golf Club.
It was 20-25 mph winds all day for the 12-team field, resulting in high scores across the board. Niilo Maki-Petaja and Lake Juban were able to withstand the elements as the Bulldog duo ended the two rounds at Even par, tied for second on the player leaderboard.
Despite Maki-Petaja's 70 (-2) in round one, LA Tech shot 306 (+18) as a team which put the Bulldogs in 10th after 18 holes. Juban had the second lowest score in the first round, shooting 76 (+4), while Hunter Battles and Will Patrick each carded 80 (+8).
It was a different story over the next 18 holes as LA Tech tied for the lowest second round. The Bulldogs were 14 strokes better, shooting 292 (+4) to leapfrog seven teams and put themselves in the final group for Sunday.
A big reason for the turnaround was the play of Juban. The senior was one over after fives holes but then shot five under on the last 13 holes, including three straight birdies on No. 15, No. 16, and No. 17 to card a season-low 68 (-4), which was the lowest round of the day.
Maki-Petaja continued to keep the big numbers off his scorecard, shooting 74 (+2) in round two. Matching that 74 was Battles who rebounded from an opening double bogey. Patrick was four shots better in round two as well, shooting 76 (+4).
Baylor is atop the standings after shooting 290-292=582 (+6). Host Texas A&M is in second, shooting 300-294=594 (+18), and LA Tech is in third after shooting 306-292=598 (+22).
QUOTABLES
Head coach Matt Terry
"It was a really challenging day. I am proud of the way the guys stayed in it through all 36 holes. We had some big numbers this morning but continued to grind out scores. We got two really good rounds out of Niilo and Lake that led to them shooting even on the day. I am really looking forward to tomorrow to see who steps up next. Every player has an opportunity and I want to see them come out and keep getting better."
NOTABLES
LA Tech will play the third and final round on Sunday, paired with Baylor and Texas A&M in the final group. Thomas Henson, playing as an individual, will have the first tee time at 7:20 a.m. CT. Riley Hnatyshyn will have the first tee time in the team lineup at 8:30 a.m. CT.
FOLLOW US
For all the latest in Bulldog Golf, follow us on X (@LATechGolf), Instagram (@LATech_Golf), and Facebook (LATechGolf).
It was 20-25 mph winds all day for the 12-team field, resulting in high scores across the board. Niilo Maki-Petaja and Lake Juban were able to withstand the elements as the Bulldog duo ended the two rounds at Even par, tied for second on the player leaderboard.
Despite Maki-Petaja's 70 (-2) in round one, LA Tech shot 306 (+18) as a team which put the Bulldogs in 10th after 18 holes. Juban had the second lowest score in the first round, shooting 76 (+4), while Hunter Battles and Will Patrick each carded 80 (+8).
It was a different story over the next 18 holes as LA Tech tied for the lowest second round. The Bulldogs were 14 strokes better, shooting 292 (+4) to leapfrog seven teams and put themselves in the final group for Sunday.
A big reason for the turnaround was the play of Juban. The senior was one over after fives holes but then shot five under on the last 13 holes, including three straight birdies on No. 15, No. 16, and No. 17 to card a season-low 68 (-4), which was the lowest round of the day.
Maki-Petaja continued to keep the big numbers off his scorecard, shooting 74 (+2) in round two. Matching that 74 was Battles who rebounded from an opening double bogey. Patrick was four shots better in round two as well, shooting 76 (+4).
Baylor is atop the standings after shooting 290-292=582 (+6). Host Texas A&M is in second, shooting 300-294=594 (+18), and LA Tech is in third after shooting 306-292=598 (+22).
QUOTABLES
Head coach Matt Terry
"It was a really challenging day. I am proud of the way the guys stayed in it through all 36 holes. We had some big numbers this morning but continued to grind out scores. We got two really good rounds out of Niilo and Lake that led to them shooting even on the day. I am really looking forward to tomorrow to see who steps up next. Every player has an opportunity and I want to see them come out and keep getting better."
NOTABLES
- LA Tech made 23 birdies, the second most among the entire field.
- Lake Juban shot a season-low 68 (-4), which also tied for his second lowest round of his Bulldog career. It was the lowest round by any player on Saturday at the Aggie Invitational. The 68 also tied for the second lowest round by a Bulldog this season.
- Niilo Maki-Petaja shot a 70 (-2) in round one, marking his 14th round at or under par this season. He has shot at or under par in 11 of his last 14 rounds.
- Lake Juban was first among the entire field in Par 3s (-2) and Par 5s (-3). His eight birdies were the second most by any player as well.
- Niilo Maki-Petaja tied for first among the entire field in Par 4s (-2).
LA Tech will play the third and final round on Sunday, paired with Baylor and Texas A&M in the final group. Thomas Henson, playing as an individual, will have the first tee time at 7:20 a.m. CT. Riley Hnatyshyn will have the first tee time in the team lineup at 8:30 a.m. CT.
FOLLOW US
For all the latest in Bulldog Golf, follow us on X (@LATechGolf), Instagram (@LATech_Golf), and Facebook (LATechGolf).
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
Thursday, March 06
Tuesday, September 10
Monday, September 09
Sunday, September 08
