Nov. 1, 2009
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – The Notre Dame men’s golf team was defeated by Louisville in the championship of The Match Play on Sunday morning, 3.5 to 2.5, to close out the its season. The Irish had downed Georgetown and Connecticut on Saturday to advance to the finals at the Pine Needles Golf Course.
“I’m very proud of our effort,” said Irish head coach Jim Kubinski. “Even with the flu running through our team we played tough all the way to the end in some very close matches. We showed grit and heart.”
Josh Sandman (Greensboro, N.C./Southeast Guilford) won his match versus Chris Biuso of Louisville, 2 & 1 for Notre Dame’s only outright win of the championship match.
“For josh to go 1-0-2 over the weekend given how sick he has been really showcased his heart and determination,” analyzed Kubinski.
Max Scodro (Chicago, Ill./Notre Dame Prep [Ariz.]), Chris Walker (The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands) and Tom Usher (Bradford, England/Guiseley School) all halved their matches. Scodro tied Riley Wheeldon, Walked played Karsten Clements all square and Usher tied Lewis Kirton.
“I am particularly proud of our sophomore trio of Tom, Max and Chris as all three of them had comeback wins this weekend,” added Kubinski.
Doug Fortner (Tustin, Calif./Foothill) battled Aaron Sherry and ended up dropping a 3 & 2 decision, while Carl Santos-Ocampo (Naples, Fla./Community School) fell to Justin Dorward, 4 & 2.
With the two wins and a loss at The Match Play, the Irish close out the fall season with a 36-34 record versus NCAA opponents. Notre Dame opens its spring season on February 6 when it plays in an Alumni Match at the Mirabel Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.
— ND —