Jonson shoots UNLV into second in MW men’s golf championships

Junior Carl Jonson fired a 5-under-par 66 and fellow junior Nicholas Maruri came in at even par 71 in his first round of the season to help UNLV to an opening-round 4-under 280 in the Mountain West men’s golf championships Friday at Tucson, Ariz.

The Rebels are in second place, one shot behind leader New Mexico, which had a 279. and one shot ahead of third-place San Diego State, which had a team total of 281.

Jonson made birdie on three of his final four holes while Maruri overcame a slow start where he was 2-over after four holes to play the remaining 14 holes to 2-under and finish at 71. Junior Kurt Kitayama had a 1-under 70 and sophomore Zane Thomas finished at 2-over 73 after taking a double bogey at the par-4 13th. Sophomore AJ McInerney’s 74 did not count toward the team score.

The 54-hole tournament continues Saturday at Tucson National Golf Club. UNLV will play its second round with New Mexico.