The Hawaii Pacific men’s golf team won its first Pacific West Conference Championship on Wednesday by winning a 10-man team playoff against UH-Hilo after the two teams tied after three rounds at the Wigwam Resort’s Gold Course in Park, Ariz.
Andrew Otani birdied the first hole to start the playoff for the Vulcans but Keita Okada, Ryan Torres, and Kelii Kamelamela-Dudoit responded with birdies for the Sharks for a 19-17 victory.
The Vulcans had rallied over the final three holes to make up a 10-stroke deficit to get to 35-over.
“We gave it a good run,” Vulcans coach Earl Tamiya said. “I am proud of the way these boys battled back after a very difficult second round.”
Sharks sophomore Okada defended his individual championship by winning by four strokes, shooting 2-under 214.
Dustin Franko and Andrew Otani tied for third at 5-over.
Franko had three birdies on the front nine during his 72. Otani shot 74 and Keith Ng rebounded from a tough second round for a 74. With a 75, Nicholas Gomez counted toward the team score for the first time, and Noah Lau came in with a 76.