Wildcat golfers struggle in third-round play

The Wildcats were in prime striking distance after the second round of competition, only three strokes back, but faltered during the third round shooting a 11-over-par 371. This left UA at 10-over-par 1090 for the tournament and in third place, seven strokes back of tournament leader, California. Arizona State resides in second place, two strokes ahead of the Wildcats at nine-over-par 1088.

UA head coach Rick LaRose offered only one comment on his team's play, "if we are going to win, we have to stop playing like shit", LaRose said.

Assistant Coach Todd McCorkle showed nothing but optimism about his team's chances in the final round. "Our backs are against the wall, but with this group of guys, I'm not worried. The guys will be more focused tomorrow and hopefully rise to the challenge", McCorkle said.

In the individual competition, the Wildcats continue to be lead by junior Andy Barnes. Even though Barnes stumbled a bit with a two-over-par 74, he resides at even-par 216 after the third round, which leaves him in a three-way tie for eighth place, eight strokes behind leader Dan Arroyo of California.

Sophomore Derek Gillespie fired a even-par 72 for the day and stands at one-over-par 217 for the tournament in a three-way tie for eleventh. Even though the UA had a tough round Gillespie seemed upbeat about their chances.

"We are seven strokes behind (California), but I still believe we have a pretty good chance. We feel strong, and if I were you, I wouldn't count us out just yet, because anything is possible," Gillespie said.

Other Wildcat finishers are senior Rory Sabbatini, who finished the round at three-over-par 75 (two-over-par 218), sophomore Ryan Meyer who shot four-over-par 76 (five-over-par 221), freshman Tim Weiss shot a two-over-par 74 (five-over-par 221), and junior Aaron Friedman finished at six-over-par 78 (11-over-par 227).