MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. – MBU Men's Golf nearly claimed its second team victory of the season on Tuesday but ultimately finished a close second to Park at the 'WBU Battle at Big Creek' in Mountain Home, Ark. The 36-hole event was contested on the Natural Golf Trail course at Big Creek Club Golf Club – a 7,320-yard par-72.
 
Monday's first round was a dream start for the Spartans, highlighted by a historic round from senior Tomas Ventieri. The Argentinian posted a 7-under 65 to take a three-shot lead in the 65-man field. The round consisted of two eagles, four birdies, and one bogey. In relation to par, it tied Kyle Jasper's 7-under 64 in 2009 for the lowest round in MBU Men's Golf history.
 
Not to be outdone, Fernando del Campo racked up four birdies to post an even-par 72 in the first round. Jack Moran (74), Drew Wielgus (75), and Paolo Urso (78) all made significant contributions which led to the Spartans holding the lead in the team competition at the conclusion of play on Monday.
 
After yielding seven rounds of par or better to the field in the first round, the course was ready to bite back on Tuesday. The Natural Golf Trail played three shots more difficult with an average score over 80 in the second round.
 
Park, who was second in the team competition to MBU after round one, was seemingly the only team able to tame the Trail. The Pirates shot +1, 289 collectively to knock the Spartans back to second place. Though the Spartans were +19, 307 for day two, that was still lower than any other team besides Park.
 
Individually, Ventieri was still in the thick of it before running into trouble on the back nine. He would ultimately post the best finish of his career in solo fifth.
 
Jack Moran remained consistent with a day-two 76 to post solo 10^th. He was followed by Wielgus in a tie for 11^th, Urso in a tie for 17^th, and del Campo in a tie for 26^th. Sophomore Alexander Engelhardt competed as an individual and finished with the Spartans' third lowest score. The German went 77-74 and also posted a tie for 11^th.
 
Only one event remains now for MBU Men's Golf before the AMC Championship on May 3. The Spartans will head to Olathe, Kan. for the Baker Spring Invite on April 19 and 20.