New-Look Spiders Sixth After Day 1 at National Golf Invitational
05/16/2025 | Men's Golf
MARICOPA, Ari. — Playing without a pair of senior stalwarts for the first time all season, the Richmond Spiders men's golf team combined for a team score of 1-over par (289) in Round 1 of the National Golf Invitational Friday at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. Richmond ended the day tied for sixth on the 10-team leaderboard.
Freshman Carson Baez, one of three Spiders who played in each of Richmond's first 11 events this season along with seniors Cole Ekert and Patrick Isztwan, who graduated last week, led UR with a 5-under 67 Friday. He is currently tied for third on the individual leaderboard.
"My game has been feeling good lately," said Baez. "I knew I could take advantage of the course with my driver." Baez drove the green on the short par-4 2nd hole and made the 18-foot putt for eagle as he played his first seven holes in 5-under par. "I just played confidently and stress free," he added.
Sophomore Jack Lapiana made 14 pars, tied for second most in the field, on his way to an even-par 72. He is tied for 21st in the field.
Junior Drew Carlin, the lone upperclassman in the Richmond lineup, shot a 2-over 74 and is tied for 29th. He eagled the par-5 13th hole as UR joined George Mason as the only teams in the field with multiple eagles in Round 1.
Sophomore Parker Moellinger carded a 4-over 76 in his season debut and is tied for 42nd, two shots in front of freshman Tommy Sharps, who is tied for 46th.
This is Richmond's first event this season without Ekert and Isztwan, who combined for 11 of the 19 top-20 individual finishes by Spiders during the season.
"It just felt weird," said Baez on playing without the Spider seniors. "Despite not having them here, it's exciting to see what this team can look like."
Freshman Carson Baez, one of three Spiders who played in each of Richmond's first 11 events this season along with seniors Cole Ekert and Patrick Isztwan, who graduated last week, led UR with a 5-under 67 Friday. He is currently tied for third on the individual leaderboard.
"My game has been feeling good lately," said Baez. "I knew I could take advantage of the course with my driver." Baez drove the green on the short par-4 2nd hole and made the 18-foot putt for eagle as he played his first seven holes in 5-under par. "I just played confidently and stress free," he added.
Sophomore Jack Lapiana made 14 pars, tied for second most in the field, on his way to an even-par 72. He is tied for 21st in the field.
Junior Drew Carlin, the lone upperclassman in the Richmond lineup, shot a 2-over 74 and is tied for 29th. He eagled the par-5 13th hole as UR joined George Mason as the only teams in the field with multiple eagles in Round 1.
Sophomore Parker Moellinger carded a 4-over 76 in his season debut and is tied for 42nd, two shots in front of freshman Tommy Sharps, who is tied for 46th.
This is Richmond's first event this season without Ekert and Isztwan, who combined for 11 of the 19 top-20 individual finishes by Spiders during the season.
"It just felt weird," said Baez on playing without the Spider seniors. "Despite not having them here, it's exciting to see what this team can look like."
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
Richmond Men's Golf
Tuesday, July 08
Men's Golf Making a Run
Monday, March 31
Men's Golf Championship Preview
Thursday, April 25
Men's Golf Season Preview
Monday, February 12