Broncos and Merritt Win 2007 Purple and Red Invite

LAYTON, Utah The Boise State University men’s golf team overcame a six stroke deficit in the final round of the Purple and Red Invitational to capture the team title in the 18-team field with a 9-under 567.

Troy Merritt led the Broncos as he captured his second consecutive individual tournament title and third of his career with a 10-under 134. After recording a 69 (-3) in the opening round of the Purple and Red Invitational to stand tied for third place, Merritt dropped four strokes from his score in the final round as he posted a tournament-low round of 7-under 65 to earn the individual title by three strokes, en route to leading the Broncos to victory.

The Broncos received contributions from everyone on the team as the Boise State men’s golf team earned its first title since the 2005 Santa Clara Invitational.

Matt Hastings recorded a season-low 70 (-2) in the final round to move into a tie for 15th place. He now moves into a tie for sixth on the Broncos all-time list for career top 25 finishes with 16.

John Baranco also earned a 15th place finish with a 143 (-1) after registering a 2-under 70 in the final round. This is the sixth straight t tournament Baranco has finished first or second on the team in scoring.

Robbie Richards match his career-low round with a 70 (-2) in the final round of competition. He dropped three strokes off his opening round score to post a 149 (+5).

“This was great win for our team,” said head coach Kevin Burton. “To be able to overcome a six stroke deficit against the home team, (Utah) on their course speaks of the quality of this win.”

Merritt’s 134 (-10) set the school-record for low two-round score. This is also the fifth consecutive round under par for Merritt during which time he is averaging 67.6 strokes per round. He moved into a tie for fourth place on the Broncos’ all-time list for top 10 finishes in a career with eight.

This also marks the first time Boise State has captured the team and individual title in the same tournament since the 2002 Bronco Round-up (Graham DeLaet).

The Boise State men’s golf team will continue its season Sept. 29-30 at the District Shootout.

Boise State Individuals 1. Troy Merritt (69-65-134, -10), T15. Matt Hastings (73-70-143, -1), T15. John Baranco (73-70-143, -1), T51. Robbie Richards (76-73-149, +5), T97. Chase Cochran (74-87-161, +17).

Top Teams 1. Boise State (289-278-567, -9), 2. Utah (283-285-568, -8), 3. Idaho (288-282-570, -6), 4. Wyoming (291-285-576, E), T5. Weber State (290-289-579, +3), T5. Santa Clara (286-293-579, +3), 7. Portland (296-287-583, +7), T8. Sacramento State (289-295-584, +8), T8. Southern Utah (293-291-584, +8), 10. Hartford (295-295-588, +12), 11. Binghantom (292-298-590, +14), 12. Texas Pan American (291-302-593, +17), 13. Utah Valley (299-301-600, +24), 15. Gonzaga (303-303-606, +30), 16. Northern Colorado (308-299-607, +31), 17. Idaho State (304-304-608, +32), 18. Dixie State (310-307-617, +41).

Top Individuals 1. Troy Merritt, Boise State, (69-65-134, -10), 2. Mike May, Wyoming, (69-68-137, -7), T3. Ben Weyland, Idaho, (71-68-139, -5), T3. Devin Daniels, Utah State, (71-68-139, -5), 5. Dustin Pimm, Utah, (73-67-140, -4).

--www.broncosports.com--

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