Feb. 12, 2012
BRADENTON, Fla. - The Penn State men's golf team captured a 3.5-2.5 consolation win over Michigan State to conclude play at the Big Ten Match Play Championship at the Concessions Golf Club, Saturday.
After a loss to eventual winner, Northwestern, the Lions came back in the consolation round to play some of their best golf, wrapping up the event 1-1.
"Against Michigan State, we played our best golf of the year," said Coach Nye. "We bounced back."
Junior Jay Woodward (Bridgeport, W.Va.) and freshmen Xander McDonald-Smith (Rockaway Park, N.Y.) and Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) came out on top in their match ups against the Spartans. Both Woodward and Talbert's wins marked their second for the event, making them the only two undefeated Lions.
After standing all square with Michigan State freshman McCormick Clouser at the sixth hole, Woodward took control to finish the round two down one to play. McDonald-Smith defeated senior Dave Ellis four and three. Talbert gained a four and three win over junior Will Morris.
Senior Tommy McDonagh (East Norwalk, Conn.) halved his match against senior Dan Ellis. At the 17th hole, Ellis stood 1-up on McDonagh, before the talented Penn State senior shot par to finish the match all square.
Both junior Ernesto Marin (Miami, Fla.) and sophomore Shane Stewart (Dublin, Ohio) were downed by Michigan State. Marin was defeated four down three to play by Matthew Moseley, while Stewart lost 1-up to Chris Mory.
The Nittany Lions return to action March 10-11 at the Pinehurst Intercollegiate.