FIRST DAY RESULTS

WAIKOLOA, Hawai'i – It was pleasant day in paradise for the Dominican University of California men's golf team on Monday.

Playing from the championship tees on the Kings' Course in Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Big Island, the Penguins produced their best round of the season in their second round of the 54-hole event at the Pacific West Conference Championships. Dominican junior Kevin Santos led the way, shooting 1-under par 71 in the final 18 of the first day, his best score of the year, to place him tied for 14th.

“Kevin was putting great inside 10 feet ,” said Head Coach Gary Nelson.

Senior Sean Nadir matched his teammate Santos in the opening round with a 75. He is seven shots behind Santos after 36 holes.

“Sean was striking the ball well and was going after birdies,” Nelson said. “His wedge game was superb and that made his rounds exciting.

Only one stroke separates sophomore Sean Kawaguchi (86-83 169) and freshman teammate Tom Morris (86-84 170) while sophomore John DeDonatis is 89-91 180, helping the Penguins create an 81-shot cushion over last-place Chaminade University though Dominican hasn't played a competitive match since March 13.

“We beat our season best by three strokes in the second round. The team played smart and took advantage of opportunities,” Nelson said. “The team has confidence and is looking to finish strong.”

The Penguins will compete Tuesday in the final round of the PacWest Championships on the 6,594-yard course that was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morish.

Grand Canyon University leads the tournament after the first 36 holes with a team total of 572, nine strokes better than Dixie State College and host University of Hawai'i, Hilo, the defending champion. BYU-Hawaii's Jon Scolari was medalist for the day with a 69-70 139.