BRIEFLY : Northridge Golfers Aim for Third at Nationals

Heading into the final round of the NCAA Division II golf championships today in Tarpon Springs, Fla., Cal State Northridge Coach Bill Cullum has put thoughts of a national title out of his mind--for now.

“If we can finish in the top three, I’d be happy,” he said. “We’re a young team, and we’ll be back.”

Northridge, with two freshmen and two sophomores among its top five players, entered today’s final round tied for sixth with Florida Atlantic. Both schools had a three-day total of 933. Florida Southern was first at 896.

The Matadors, however, are within nine strokes of second-place Columbus in their quest for a fourth national title in the sport. Northridge last won the NCAA golf championship in 1974.

Sam Houston (Tex.) State, 910; Tampa, 912; and Troy (Ala.) State, 912, were the other schools in Northridge’s path.

On Wednesday, Northridge shot 303 as a team. Freshmen Tim Hogarth and Wayne Tyni each shot 74 to lead the Matador scoring.

The NCAA individual title is all but a two-man battle between Lee Jancen of Florida Southern and Hugh Royer of Columbus, who have totals of 210 and 211, respectively. Both players shot a 2-under par 70 Wednesday. Juan Velasco is third at 219.

Through 54 holes, Hogarth was the top Northridge player in ninth place at eight-over par 224. Sophomores Jon Levitt at 232 and Pat Boyd at 233 are CSUN’s next two scorers.

Northridge advanced to the tournament by winning the District 8 championship for teams from California, Oregon and Washington.

Granada Hills Seeded No. 1 for Playoffs

Granada Hills High, which won a share of the Mid-Valley League baseball title Tuesday, has been seeded No. 1 for the City playoffs that begin May 30.

The Highlanders (14-5) will play host to San Pedro in the first round.

Two of the three other seeded teams are also from the Valley area. Grant, assured of at least a co-championship in the East Valley League, is seeded second. Chatsworth, winners of the West Valley League, are seeded third. Banning is seeded fourth.

Grant (15-5) plays host to Reseda in the first round. Chatsworth (13-6) and Sylmar meet in another first-round game.

The 16-team playoffs conclude June 12 with the City championship game at Dodger Stadium. Kennedy, which plays at Banning in the first round, is the defending City champion.