June 20, 2008

California Amateur Championship Website

BURBANK, Calif. - Cal State Northridge freshman Nick Delio has advanced to the 36-hole final match of the 97th California Amateur Championship at Lakeside Golf Club.

After defeating reigning NCGA Amateur champion Ryan Hallisey of Granite Bay, 3 & 2 on Friday morning, Delio advanced to Saturday's final after dispatching the No. 2 seed, Scott McGihon of Bermuda Dunes, with an 8 & 7 in the semifinals on Friday afternoon.

Delio will take on 15-year old Austin Roberts of Carmichael Roberts, who defeated 18-year-old James Erkenbeck of San Diego, 3 & 2, in the quarterfinals this morning and then took out one of the two remaining medalists and the No. 1 seed, Matt Hoffenberg of Simi Valley, 5 & 4, in the semifinals this afternoon.

Delio, the 2007 Big West Conference Freshman of the Year, finished tied for fourth in stroke play to begin the tournament on Monday, June 16. He carded rounds of 66-75 to finish at one under-par 141. Fellow Matador Erik Jarvey also qualified out of stroke play as the junior carded rounds of 72-72 to finish tied for 24th at three over-par 145.

Then, as luck would have it, Delio and Jarvey were paired up in match play on Tuesday. With the match all square after 13 holes, Delio won three of the next four holes to defeat Jarvey 3 and 1. Delio's birdie on the par-4 17th hole clinched to win.

In the round of 16, Delio was matched up with Jeff Burda and having played consistent golf, Delio advanced with a 5 and 4 win. Delio birdied holes no. 2 and 11 and carded a par on the other 12 holes to advance to the Quarterfinals.

- GO MATADORS -