OKAYAMA, Japan – The University of Hawai´i men's golf team won the team title at the Naris Cup, Thursday, at the Sakushu Musashi Country Club. The Warriors finished with a three-round total of 897 (294-305-312) to earn first place, by far their best finish of the 2008-09 season.

 

UH was led by junior Robert Berton who finished in fourth place at five-over par, 221 (74-72-75). Three shots back from Berton was freshman #T.J. Kua# who finished at eight-over par, 224 (75-76-73).

 

Also competing for the Warriors were sophomore Kamden Brakel (69-85-71-225), freshman Jared Sawada (76-78-79=233), and freshman Pono Calip (78-79-82=239).

 

Participating as individuals were senior Chase Bingham (85-88-76=249), senior Cody Pewarchuk (83-89-90=262), and sophomore Daniel Soglanich (90-100-81=271).

 

Tying for first individually were Kosuke Ueda of Doshisha and Stephen Zane of Hawai´i-Hilo, both finishing at 218, two-over par. UH-Hilo, the only other non-Japanese school competing in the tournament, took second place with a 911 total.

 

In one month, the Warriors will head to Provo, Utah to compete in the Cougar Classic, April 24-25.