Men's Golf | October 1, 2017

VESTAL, N.Y. - Led by a trio of freshmen, the La Salle University men's golf team opened the Matthews Auto Intercollegiate on Sunday afternoon. Newcomers David Kim, Zaffar Sikkander and Ron Fischang posted the top three scores on the squad as the Explorers finished at 305 to stand in a tie for 10th heading into the final round on Monday.

Kim was the top finisher for La Salle, carding a 74 to tie for 17th individually. The Dresher, Pa. product, who tied for the best par-three score in the field (-2), closed the front nine at one-under par.

Over a stretch of six holes on the front (Nos. 2-6), Kim made three birdies and lipped out birdie putts from inside 10 feet on two other holes.

"David put on a ball-striking clinic from holes two through six," head coach Scott Yurgalevicz said. "Having him under par on the front nine was huge for us."

Sikkander fought back from a rough start to his back nine to shoot two-under par over the last seven holes. Overall, Sikkander played the par-5 holes on the course at three-under par (T-4th) and shot four-over 76.

"It was a testament to how mentally tough Zaffar is, that he was able to claw back from a big number," Yurgalevicz commented.

Also shooting 76 and tied for 36th overall heading into Monday is Fischang, who compiled three birdies and nine pars on his round. His one-over par total on the par-3's was the 15th-best in the field.

"There were stretches of holes where David would hit it close and roll in a birdie and right after him, Ron would hit it even closer and convert for birdie," Yurgalevicz said. "It was really fun to watch them throw darts at the flags today and we're hoping all the guys can do the same tomorrow."

Rounding out the La Salle contingent was junior Nick Gruber (79) and senior Brandon Raihl (85). Saint Joseph's and St. Bonaventure lead the team portion of the tournament at 295, with Lehigh two shots off the pace.

The second and final round of the Matthews Auto Invitational will take place on Monday, Oct. 2.