Monterey, Calif. - Opening play at the Saint Mary's Invitational at the Bayonet & Blackhorse Golf Courses in Monterey, Calif., the Pacific golf team struggled late as they finished the first day in 14th place on Monday, September 19.  After finishing the opening round in the middle of the pack, the Tigers could not find their groove in round two as they dropped down the standings to finish the opening 36 holes at 619, +43.  Leading the way through the first day was Oregon as the Ducks posted a 567, -9 to finish as the lone team under-par.

The tournament's first round was played on the 7,117, par 72 Bayonet Golf Course where only a handful of golfers were able to break par over the opening 18 holes of action.  For Pacific, freshman Joel Slak led the round as young Tiger carded +3, 75 in his first collegiate round of play.  Slak turned in pair of birdies in his first round of play, taking advantage of the par-5, 10th, to post his first of the day on his second hole and the par-3, 4th, to post his second.  

In the afternoon focus shifted to the 7,024, par 72 Blackhorse Golf Course.  On the new layout, Pacific struggled to find its way as all but one Tiger posted a score in the 80s.  Improving on his opening round 77, freshman Eric Sugimoto took on the new course, shooting a +2, 74 to jump to the top of the pack for the Tigers.  After two rounds, the first year player found himself tied for 35th with a scored of 151, +7.

Overall, the tournament lead was captured by Chris Russo of Cal State Northridge as the Matador went seven-under in his 36 holes to grab a three stroke lead heading into the final day.

Pacific will get a second crack at the Bayonet Golf Course on Tuesday, September 20 when all 15 teams tee-off for the final round of play at the invitational.  The Tigers will be off the tee at 8:00 am as they look to get back on track in the first tournament of the 2011-12 season.