CHANDLER, Ariz. – NM State showed resilience on the first day of the 2025-26 campaign as they used a stellar second round to leap six spots up the leaderboard and into a tie for fourth after 36 holes of action at the Whirlwind Invitational hosted by Southern California. On the day, the Aggies posted a combined score of 557 (-19), including recording a 271 (-17) in the second round.
 
The Aggies' second round score finished as the third-best combined 18-hole score of any team in the field on the opening day of the tournament, with only first round scores from USC (269,-18) and Arkansas State (270, -17) being better.
 
Individually, the Aggies were guided by a trio that finished the day at 5-under and in a tie for 17^th as Ethan Klose, Javier Delgadillo and Vari Mariscal each finished with a 139 across their first two rounds of the year. Mateo Payan also came in just one stroke behind these three Aggies after he posted a 68 (-4) in the second round of play. Additionally, Anthony Lara's 70 (-2) in the second round pushed him 12 spots up the leaderboard and into a tie for 46^th.
 
On the day, the Aggies posted 47 total birdies to rank tied for second among the field. NM State will enter the final round chasing USC who leads the field at 35-under. The Aggies' final round of action is scheduled to get underway at 9 a.m. as part of a shotgun start.
 
For complete coverage of NM State Men's Golf, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateMGolf), Instagram (@NMStateMGolf) and Facebook (NM State Men's Golf). You can also follow along with Aggie Men's Golf via NMStateSports.com.