USC Men's Golf's Krando Nishiba Tied For 5th After Western Intercollegiate Opener

Sophomore Krando Nishiba turned in one of his best efforts of the season with a 1-over 71 to finish the first round of the Western Intercollegiate just one off the lead, pacing the USC men's golf team Monday (April 11) at the Pasatiempo G.C. in Santa Cruz, Calif.

With all teams well-over par during a windy day in the six-play, five-count format, USC finished its round at 34-over 384, in 10th, when first-round play was halted due to darkness.  Pepperdine, one of two teams who have a few holes to finish Tuesday morning, is leading at 18-over with Texas second at 21-over.

Nishiba, who has yet to break par this year, turned in an effort as good as any this season by managing to get around Pasatiempo at just 1-over on a day where more than half the scores were 8-over or above.

Nishiba, tied for fifth and one back, birdied 2 and 9 during an even front, birded 13 and suffered his only real blemish with a double on 15. But he collected pars on the final three holes and is off to a great start as he tries to top his season-best finish, a tie for 40th in his season-opener.

"This course is already tough as it is but with the wind and rain in the morning, it made it that much harder," Nishiba said, "but par is a good score so I had to keep my head cool and stay in it. My irons and my putting during the front 9 really saved me a lot."

Said USC Coach J.T. Higgins: "Krando played really well, but what was most impressive was his attitude, demeanor and poise."

Senior Cameron Henry, in his first action since Jan. 26, is tied for 19th at 4-over 74. Henry's lone blip was a quad on the par 5 13th hole, but he rebounded to finish the final five holes at 1-under.

Senior Jack Boulger is tied for 52nd at 8-over 78, junior Parker Sisk is tied for 68th at 10-over 80, freshman Jackson Rivera is tied for 77th at 11-over 81 and sophomore Shane Ffrench is tied for 91st at 18-over 88.

The tournament continues Tuesday and Wednesday with live coverage on Golf Channel beginning at 4 p.m. PT.