University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Lake Jovita Invitational
Baez Opens Spring With Runner-Up Finish at Lake Jovita
02/10/2026 | Men's Golf
DADE CITY, Fla. — Sophomore Carson Baez shot an 11-under 205, the sixth-lowest tournament score in program history, to place second among 88 golfers in the Lake Jovita Invitational, Richmond's first event of the spring season. Baez carded a 2-under 70 in Tuesday's final round to help UR to a team score of 2-under par (286), moving the Spiders to 8-under par (856) for the event, good for fifth place in the competitive 14-team field.
"It was a solid start to the year," said Spiders coach Adam Decker. "We did a nice job to get in contention over the first two rounds. Starting the final round with a chance to win is always the goal. We didn't get off to a great start today, but hung around and hopefully learned a few things that will help us later in the semester.
"Carson was great this week. I'm really proud of his patience and mindset this week," added Decker.
Baez (11-under) finished behind only Shane Ochs from Wright State, who shot 13-under par to take medalist honors. This is the second runner-up finish of Baez's collegiate career along with last May's National Golf Invitational.
"It feels great because it tells me I keep improving no matter what environment I'm in," said Baez when asked about going four months in between team events. "I keep adding fuel to the fire, and I know sooner or later my time is going to come."
The event was Richmond's first competitive outing since UR tied for second at the Monterrey Collegiate Classic in Mexico last October. The Spiders have now finished fifth or better in four of their six events this season.
Junior Jack LaPiana shot an even-par 72 for the third straight round Tuesday to finish tied for 29th, one shot in front of freshman Lucas Rizo-Patron, who also shot 72 (E) Tuesday to finish tied for 33rd at 1-over par (217).
Junior Quin Polin finished in a four-way tie for 39th at 3-over par (219). Junior Parker Moellinger shot his best round of the week Tuesday, an even-par 72, to move up into a tie for 66th place at 8-over par.
Senior Drew Carlin, competing as an individual, also tied for 33rd at 1-over par (217). Carlin matched his lowest tournament score over the last two seasons.
"I'm very proud of this team and the potential they showed this week. These guys are all so good," said Baez. "I hope my play can push them to be even stronger going into the rest of the season because I know we can do big things."
Richmond will return to action later this week when the team flies to Goodyear, Ariz. to defend its title at the Loyola Intercollegiate.
Players Mentioned
