MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Rhys Nicholas led the University of the Incarnate Word's golf team in its season opener this week at the Wildcat Invitational. Nicholas carded a 220 (+4) to finish tied for 10th, improving each round with scores of 76, 73 and 71.

The Cardinals finished T-9th as a team, posting their best round of the tournament on Tuesday with a 292. UIW shot 300 in the opening round of play and 307 in the second round on Monday. 

Taylor Cussimanio finished T-22nd with scores of 72/78/73, for a total of 223 (+7). Joel Taulsen finished right behind him at T-26th with scores of 76/76/72, for a total of 224 (+8).

Freshman Preston Mohon and William Mangione both made their collegiate debut this week. Mohon shot 232 (+16), while Mangione finished with a 245 (+29). 

The Cardinals will return to action next week, Sept. 21-22, at the Bayou City Collegiate, hosted by Rice in Houston, Texas. It will mark UIW's second consecutive year competing in the tournament at Westwood Golf Club. 
 

2026 Wildcat Invitational Cardinal Leaderboard

T-10. Rhys Nicholas - 220 (+4)
T-22. Taylor Cussimanio - 223 (+7)
T-26. Joel Talusen - 224 (+8)
T-57. Preston Mohon  - 232 (+16) 
74. William Mangione - 245 (+29)

2026 Wildcat Invitational Field Final Leaderboard

1. St. Thomas - 866 (+2)
2. Kansas State - 876 (+12)
3. South Dakota State - 881 (+17)
4. Southern Illinois - 889 (+25) 
5. Creighton - 891 (+27)
6. South Dakota - 892 (+28)
7. Omaha - 894 (+30)
8. Kansas City - 895 (+31)
T9. Incarnate Word - 899 (+35)
T9. Drake - 899 (+35)
11. Bradley - 908 (+44)
12. North Dakota - 914 (+50)
13. Lindenwood - 917 (+53)
14. North Dakota State - 922 (+58) 
15. Northern Iowa - 946 (+82)

FOLLOW ALONG   

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