Pack golfers impressive, but fall short

LAKEWOOD, Colo. - As a team, the ThunderWolves did what you hope any golf team can over the span of a three-round tournament - consistently cut strokes.  But an uncharacteristic first round lets the Pack out of the running as they finished third at the Mines/Regis invite in Lakewood Tuesday.

The Pack's first round output of 302, which was fifth in the seven-team field at the time, proved to be too big of a hole to dig out of.  Despite playing arguably the most consistent golf as a unit throughout, the ThunderWolves could not threaten tourney hosts Colorado Mines and Regis, which finished one-two on their home course.

On the first day, the Pack got heavy-handed rounds from Justin Snyder (Jr, Pueblo, Colo.) (79), Derek Carleo (Sr., Pueblo, Colo.) (78) and Jonathan Daurio (Jr., Gainesville, Fla.) (92), but saw drastic improvements across the board throughout. 

Daurio made the most dramatic rebound, cutting 17 strokes for a second round 75 before turning in a 77 in his final round.  Snyder turned over a 69 in the second round, tied for the best in the field for that round.  He turned in another 69 to finish tied for seventh overall with a +1 217. And Carleo followed suit, rebounding from a first-round 78 to put up a 74 and a 71.

The Pack's preseason all-conference selection, David Duarte (Sr., Fountain, Colo.), was the epitome of consistency, putting up three consecutive par 72s, to finish with an E 216, good enough for third place.

The Pack will have a week to reflect on their near miss at the crown when they head back upstate to Westminster for the first RMAC tourney of the year, hosted again by Regis.