September 23, 2005

TUMWATER, Wash. --- Saint Martin’s University’s Shane Prante (Sr., Olympia, WA) is first in medalist play and the Saints are in the lead in the team standings heading into Saturday’s final round of the Saint Martin’s University Invitational Men’s Golf Tournament being held at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course.

SMU, making its season debut after coming off a historic season being ranked in the Top 25 nationally and qualifying for the programs first-ever NCAA Division II National Tournament, currently holds the lead at 582 (286-296). Western Washington is right behind them at 584 (297-287), Cal State-Bakersfield third at 585 (293-292) and Sonoma State fourth at 591 (295-296) in the nine-team field.

“This is a great start to our season, however we have to come out and play well in the final round,” said Saints coach Kurt Kageler. “WWU and Bakersfield are right on our heels, so we can not have any let downs.”

Saint Martin’s two-time All-American Shane Prante posted a 9-under with a score of 133 (64-69). “He (Prante) had two great rounds today. It’s a great way for him to start his senior season of golf. It’s also great that this is happening on his home course,” said Kageler. “I’m really excited to see what happens in the final round.”