Lobos, Herron Hold 36-Hole Tucker Intercollegiate Lead

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –– The New Mexico men’s golf team had a strong opening day of the William H. Tucker Intercollegiate on Friday, its home event at the UNM Championship Course. The Lobos shot 21-under over the opening 36 holes to take a 10-shot lead into the final round.

The Lobos, looking for their second straight Tucker Intercollegiate title, are 10 shots ahead of Grand Canyon, who finished the day at 11-under. Colorado (10-under), Long Beach State (6-under) and Arkansas State (2-under) round out the top five.

Senior Carson Herron is the tournament’s individual leader, tying his low round as a collegian with a first-round 66, followed by a second-round 67 to finish at 11-under. He is two shots clear of his teammate, Alvaro Portillo, who shot rounds of 66 and 69 to sit in second place on the individual leaderboard at 9-under.

Mesa Falleur is at 2-under, Wyatt Provence is at 2-over and Oliver Cage is at 5-over to round out the Lobo lineup. Valentin Luna, playing as an individual, is T-12th at 3-under through two rounds.

“It was a really good day for our team,” said head coach Jake Harrington. “I am really proud of Carson Herron and Alvaro Portillo for going out there and leading the way. They were in the same group and 20-under as a pairing is unreal. It was a great team effort and everyone battled all day to contribute. We started off a little slow but got it going as the day went on. Mesa had a great first round and Wyatt come through in the afternoon. I am proud of how we fought and battled and we have one more round to do that again.”

The William H. Tucker Intercollegiate will conclude Saturday at the UNM Championship Course. Play will begin at 7:45 a.m. and admission is free.