Feb. 1, 2010
TUCSON, Ariz. - No. 6-ranked Texas A&M is in fifth place after Monday's opening two rounds of the Arizona Invitational at Arizona National Golf Club.
The Aggies' 36-hole score of 8-under trails leader California (-25) by 17 strokes going into Tuesday's final round. Host Arizona is in second at 18-under, followed by Fresno State (-11) and Pepperdine (-9). A&M is tied with New Mexico and No. 3 Florida. Other team scores are UNLV (-3), Nevada (-2), Arizona B (+5), No. 24 San Diego State (+8), UTEP (+25), Texas-San Antonio (+27) and Northern Colorado (+52).
"We played all right today and made plenty of birdies," A&M Coach J.T. Higgins said. "Unfortunately, We made too many big numbers and gave them back in bunches. We were a little rusty, especially with our wedges, and we didn't seem too confident with the putter. We are still just one good round away from a great finish and we'll get after it Tuesday."
California's Michael Weaver (64-68=132) and New Mexico's John Catlin (66-66=132) are tied for the individual lead at 10-under.
Four of A&M's five starters are under par through 36 holes. Freshman Andrea Pavan is tied for 30th (73-69=142) and junior John Hurley is tied for 50th (75-71=146).
Sophomore Jordan Russell, competing as an individual, shot 66-70=136 and is tied for fifth at 6-under, four strokes behind the leaders.
"Cam and Nacho looked really strong and it is so good to see Jordan play so well," Higgins said.
Shaw had three eagles on the day, including two in the second round. He eagled the par-5 18th hole in both rounds.