Marian Men's Golf Claims First Win of 2024 at OUAZ Invitational

Surprise, Ariz. - The Marian men's golf team earned their first victory of the 2024 fall season on Tuesday afternoon, coming from behind to claim victory at the OUAZ Invitaional, played at Sterling Grove CC. The Knights battled for the team victory, while Augie Mann earned his first collegiate victory as he won the individual title. 

Playing in 110 degree temperatures on Monday, the Knights carded a first round score of 290, while ending the day with a 292 in the second round. After the first round Marian trailed the host No. 13 Ottawa (OUAZ) by one stroke, but on Tuesday made a strong push as the team carded an even-par round of 288 as a team, with OUAZ firing a +10 score to secure the Knights' victory. Marian ended the two-day tournament with a score of 870, while No. 13 OUAZ finished with an 879.

In addition to their win over OUAZ, Marian defeated six teams that were receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Ratings, which included The Masters, Arizona Christian, Victoria, Benedictine-Mesa, Park (Mo.), Victoria (B.C.), and Lewis-Clark State. The Masters, Arizona Christian, and the OUAZ B[team made up the top-five in the 11-team field. 

Individually, Augie Mann played lights out over the two days, finishing four-under par over three rounds to secure his first collegiate victory. Mann fired a 212 total score, carding a -4 68 in round one, while playing even par in rounds two and three. Joining Mann on the all-tournament team was Weston Ogden, who had a strong 213 final score, finishing one-stroke behind his teammate with a 213. Ogden also carded a 68 in round one, while firing a 75 in round two and 70 in round three. 

Nolan Potter pushed into the top-10 for Marian, tying for seventh with a 220 score (76+72+72), playing two rounds of even par. Luke Beetz finished one spot behind Potter to close the team scoring, firing a 73+72+76=221. Rounding out the Marian lineup was Brandon Heffner, who shot a 225 for the two days. Heffner shot a 78 in round one, followed by a 73 in round two and 74 in round three.

Lane Zedrick played as an individual, and did not receive an official placement after earning a disqualification mark in round one. Zedrick shot a 76 in round two and 78 in round three.

Marian will finish their fall season next Monday and Tuesday, traveling to Memphis, Tennessee, for the annual Memphis Shootout. The event hosted by Sterling College will be held at TPC Southwind.

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