PHOENIX, AZ – The Northern Illinois University men's golf team opened its spring schedule Saturday with a dual match against the Grand Canyon Antelopes at the GCU Championship Golf Course.
 
Grand Canyon won the match with a team score of one-under par 496 to NIU's 33-over par 529. Senior Jordan Less (Elmhurst, Ill./York) had the Huskies' low score Saturday with an even-par 71. Less' round was his sixth this season at even par or better. Tommy Dunsire (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) posted a one-over 72.
 
"The top of our lineup played really solid," said head coach John Carlson. "Jordan and Tommy had really solid falls and picked up where they left off. Grand Canyon's golf course is a real test. Playing seven counts seven means everyone today was accountable. It put us in a tough spot, but one that we can learn from. We didn't get the win today, but we'll grow heading into next weekend's competition."
 
Russell Matos (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard South) carding a round of 74. Freshman Luc Warnock (Windsor, Ontario, Canada/E.J. LaJeunesse) tied his lowest round of the season with a 75.
 
Saturday's match gave the Huskies a preview of what to expect when it comes back to Arizona to play in the Loyola Intercollegiate February 22-24 at Palm Valley Golf Club.
 
"Certainly the goal coming down to Arizona was to get used to not only the grasses but just the look of desert golf," Carlson said. "This is the first time down to Arizona for many of our players. When we come back next week, we're just going to feel a whole lot more comfortable."
 
--NIU--
 
Saturday's Results
 
NIU – 529 (+33)
Jordan Less – 71 (E)
Tommy Dunsire – 72 (+1)
Russell Matos – 74 (+3)
Luc Warnock – 75 (+4)
Zach Place – 80 (+9)
Tyler McDowell – 81 (+10)
Michael Mattas – 81 (+10)
 
Grand Canyon – 496 (-1)
Trevor Lampson – 70 (-1)
Reece Nilsen – 69 (-2)
Jake Chanen – 68 (-3)
Michael Salazar – 75 (+4)
Matt Braley – 73 (+2)
TJ Nolen – 71 (E)
Matt Polivka – 70 (-1)