IUP's Matt Cocorikas takes hot streak into regionals
Matt Cocorikas is on a roll, just in time for the postseason.
The IUP senior golfer has won three consecutive tournaments, four overall, this spring season.
His latest win came this week in Crofton, Md., when he finished with a 2-under-par 214 to take the Crofton Invitational. He shot a final-round 69.
On April 15, he won the weather-shortened Cecil C. Spadafora Invitational at Indiana Country Club, carding a 2-under 69.
The 6-foot-4, 200-pound senior from Monroe Township, N.J. went wire-to-wire to capture West Chester’s Dr. Edwin B. Cottrell Invitational at Penn Oaks Golf Club. He shot 2-over 144, hanging on despite a 75 on the last day in challenging conditions.
Cocorikas’ four wins are the most by an IUP player since former national champion Gavin Smith won five times in 2009-10. Smith also won three straight tournaments that season.
Last season, Cocorikas was a PING All-Atlantic Region selection and made the All-PSAC second team.
He will now prepare for the NCAA Division II Atlantic/East Region Championships set for May 9-11 Totteridge Golf Club in Greensburg.
Matt Cocorikis has won 3️⃣ straight tournaments tying Gavin Smith (09-10) for the longest streak in program history. #TalonsUp pic.twitter.com/Rwk7oJwbhD
— IUP Men's Golf (@IUPgolf) April 24, 2019
3️⃣ STRAIGHT FOR MATT!!!
Cocorikis earns medalist honors for the 3rd straight tournament!
He shot -3 in today’s 3rd round and -2 for the tournament. #TalonsUp pic.twitter.com/O7O1oEeQqM
— IUP Men's Golf (@IUPgolf) April 23, 2019
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
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