Cougars show individual progress at NB3 Matchplay

Houston men’s golf traded up-and-down moments this week at the NB3 Matchplay in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M., defeating New Mexico State but losing to New Mexico and NC State.

The Cougars started the match with a 3.5-1.5 loss against NC State. Junior Hsuan-Yi Chen took Houston’s first point, winning four holes ahead of three over junior Pearce Lewin. Chen and Lewin continued to battle for the next rounds before Chen pulled away on the 15^th hole to clinch the match.  

Senior Grant Doggett wound up tying his match after trailing three holes. Senior Chi Chun Chen, junior Sacha Ruiz and sophomore Jayk Altic went on to lose their matches in close fashion, giving NC State the win.  

Despite a suspension due to darkness, the Cougars bounced back with a 3-2 win over New Mexico State.  

Senior Sebastian Gamboa started it off for the Cougars, winning each of his first four holes to win five holes ahead with four.  

Doggett and Chun Chen would clinch both their matches, while Ruiz and Yi Chen would both lose close matches against the Aggies.  

The Cougars fell in their second match against New Mexico 3.5-.1.5. 

Chun Chen won his second match of the day, taking five holes ahead with four over sophomore Dylan Park. 

Up next, the Cougars will head to Salt Lake Country Club in Salt Lake City for the Big 12 Matchplay Oct. 12-14.