Oct. 4, 2008

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - The University of Utah golf team completed the first two rounds of the inaugural University of Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate Saturday in Palm Springs, Calif. The team ended the day in 17th place with a combined score of 629.

Kaleb Mahanes (Erie, Colo.) leads the Utes and is tied for 49th place after shooting a score of 156 (81, 75). Chance Cota (San Diego, Calif.) shot a first round score of 76, followed by a second-round score of 81 to tie for 54th place at 13 over par.

One stroke behind Cota is freshman Joe Webber (Sandy, Utah) at 14 strokes over par with a score of 158 (80, 78). Continuing one stroke behind Webber is Chase Hite (Tucson, Ariz.), who tied for 68th at 15 over par and a combined two-round score of 159 (79-80).

Rounding out the Ute scorers was sophomore Jeff Kitches (Salt Lake City), who finished the day at 19 over par with a score of 163 (83, 80).

Colorado State leads in the team standings at 14 over par with a score of 590. Kevin Tucker of Washington State leads in the individual standings at three under par.

The tournament continues tomorrow with the final 18 holes.