NEAL'S DRAMATIC COMEBACK MOVES MEN'S GOLF INTO TITLE MATCH AGAINST FRESNO STATE

3/26/2010

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. — Nick Neal's birdie on the 18th hole advanced Sacramento State to the final of the Cal Poly/Lamkin Grip Match Play Championship on Tuesday morning. The Hornets will face Fresno State in the title match on Tuesday at the Cypress Ridge Golf Course.

Sacramento State opened the tournament with a win over Utah State, 3&2. The three wins came from Cameron Rappleye (2&1), Jake Pineo (3&2), and Jake Johnson (4&3).

In the semifinals, the Hornets won two matches, halved two and lost one. Grant and Cameron Rappleye each won their match, 3&2, 2&1, respectively for the two wins. Jake Johnson also halved his match on Monday before darkness halted play. In the final match, Neal was 2-down heading into the 17th hole on Monday. He chipped in to stay alive but the match was halted due to darkness. After returning on Tuesday, he made a 12-foot birdie putt to win the hole and halve the match for Sacramento State.

Fresno State advanced to the final by virtue of wins over Utah Valley (4&1) and Cal State Bakersfield (3&2).