University Star

The Bobcats have experienced a rough road schedule so far this year, but previous success at the Lone Star Invitational has the team hopeful.

“It’s the same old thing, either you have it or you don’t. And right now, we don’t,” said Coach Shane Howell. “We haven’t gotten the results we want, but all it takes is one good week, and we’ve had success in the past at the Lone Star. I am looking forward to the challenge.”

For the past two years, the Bobcats have placed fourth at the Lone Star Invitational shooting a total of 870 in both 2011 and 2010.

Last year, the Bobcats overcame winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour and finished one shot away from a tie for second. In the third round of play, the Bobcats fired the lowest score in the field by seven shots for a score of 294.

Sophomore Juan Carlos Benitez shot the second lowest round of any golfer on the course last year by shooting two under par for a score of 70. His teammate, junior Stuart Smallwood (who was feeling under the weather during the 2011 tournament) scored even for a round of 72 placing him in a tie for fourth. Both were career best finishes at the time for Smallwood and Benitez.

Thus far this season in team competition, Texas State’s highest finish was a tie for eighth at the Ocean Course in South Carolina, their first tournament of the season. Playing just south on Interstate 35, the Bobcats have an opportunity to turn the season around.

Howell will be looking to junior Juan Diego Plasencia for veteran leadership to take the Bobcats higher up the leaderboards Sunday and throughout the tournament.

“We need Plasencia to take a greater leadership role,” Howell said. “He hasn’t played up to his potential so far this season.”

Last year at the Lone Star Invitational, Plasencia shot 68, 76 and 77 for a total score of 221, finishing 30th. Last week, Plasencia finished tied for 46th individually, but did improve his score in every round of play.