Michigan State University
Wolverine Invitational
Ellis, Spartans Second After First Day of Wolverine Intercollegiate
9/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Sept. 12, 2011
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Wolverine Intercollegiate began on a high note for the Michigan State men's golf team on Monday, as the Spartans stand in second place after the first two rounds with a score of 7-under par 561 (285-276). Senior Dan Ellis paces the MSU effort, sitting in second place individually at 6-under par 136 (70-66).
"Overall a good day by the entire group," said MSU head coach Casey Lubahn. "They did a nice job of following the game plan, being patient and letting it come to them. We just played good, steady golf.
"We are looking forward to tomorrow. We cannot be satisfied with one good day, and must continue to play in the moment and be observant. Our goal is to keep doing those things and continue to progress from round to round."
Competing in a field that includes four teams that ended last season among the nation's top-50 programs, the Spartans opened the day with a 1-over par 285, but bounced back in the afternoon with an impressive 8-under par 276. The total ties for the third lowest 18-hole team score in MSU history, and was the best since the fall 2007 season.
California holds a five shot lead over the Spartans entering tomorrow's final round, after it shot a 12-under par 556 (281-275). Baylor is third, a shot behind MSU, with a 6-under par 562 (284-276). The host Wolverines are fourth at even par 568 (283-285).
Dan Ellis, building off of last weekend's fifth-place finish at the Fossum Invitational, is in contention for his first collegiate title. Ellis tied his career low with his second round 5-under par 66, which is the sixth lowest 18-hole score in MSU history.
"Dan Ellis was great today," added Lubahn. "He had a wonderful stretch in the middle of his second round. He played today, like we expect him to, week-in, week-out this season."
Ellis is a shot behind California's Joel Stalter (7-under 135), who tied the course record with his second round 63.
Senior Chris Mory is also in the mix, alone in fifth at 4-under par 138 (70-68). Mory's second round score was a career low 18-hole score.
Ellis and Mory are tied for third in the field with 10 birdies apiece, while Ellis carded one of the four eagles today.
Junior Matthew Moseley, playing in the competitive lineup for the first time this season, is tied for 16th at 1-over par 143 (72-71). Meanwhile, freshman McCormick Clouser is a shot behind Moseley and is tied for 19th at 2-over par 144 (73-71). Rounding out the MSU lineup, senior Dave Ellis is tied for 43rd at 7-over par 149 (78-71).
The final round for MSU begins at 8:45 a.m. at the University of Michigan Golf Course.
Players Mentioned
