Men's Golf Starts WCC Championships Tied for First

Thursday, April 28

Henderson, Nev.

Pepperdine University

WCC Championships

Derek Hitchner

Photo by: Kyle Terada

4/28/2022 6:03:00 PM | Men's Golf

Results Photo Gallery

By: by Athletic Communications

HENDERSON, Nevada – The Pepperdine men's golf team began its hunt for another league title on Thursday and the Waves are tied atop the leaderboard after the first round at the West Coast Conference Championships.

On a very windy day at the par-72 Reflection Bay Golf Club, Pepperdine shot an even-par 288, as did PCH Cup rival Loyola Marymount. Five teams are within five shots of the Waves.

The Waves are attempting to win their fourth consecutive WCC title and their league-best 22nd overall.

PLAYER SCORES

Senior Joey Vrzich (El Cajon, Calif./Christian HS/Nevada) is tied for fifth place after a 1-under 71. He had five birdies on the day, including three in the first six holes.
Senior Derek Hitchner (Minneapolis, Minn./The Blake School) is also tied for fifth with a 1-under 71. He had six birdies, all of which came mid-round during a nine-hole stretch. Vrzich and Hitchner will begin the second round two shots out of the lead.
Senior Joe Highsmith (Lakewood, Wash./Bellarmine Prep) is tied for 11th after an even-par 72. He had an eagle on the par-5 12th hole, plus three birdies.
Junior William Mouw (Chino, Calif./Ontario Christian HS) and junior Dylan Menante (Carlsbad, Calif./Sage Creek HS) are both tied for 22nd after a pair of 74s. Both players had five birdies.

UP NEXT

The Waves will be in the last group to tee off during Friday's second round. They'll be paired with LMU and San Diego and they'll get started on the first tee at 8:40 a.m.

THE NUMBERS

Team Scores: T1. Pepperdine 288; T1. Loyola Marymount 288; 3. San Diego 289; 4. BYU 291; 5. San Francisco 292; 6. Santa Clara 293; 7. Pacific 294; 8. Saint Mary's 296; 9. Gonzaga 304.

Top Individuals: T1. Cole Ponich (BYU) 69; T1. Riley Lewis (LMU) 69; T3. Jack Avrit (Santa Clara) 70; T3. Soren Lind (San Francisco) 70; T5. six players tied at 71.