Luigi Botta
(Missouri Athletics Photo)

The Italian began the 2nd round with an eagle the par 5th 10th and followed it up with a birdie on the 11th. He added another birdie on the 15th and then went on to card two bogeys and 10 pars the rest of the way. He currently holds a three-shot lead over Bennett Buch and Ian Holt with one round to play.

ROUND ONE STORY

Missouri junior Luigi Botta got off to good start on day one of the Northern Amateur, shooting a tournament leading 8-under 64. Botta, from Italy, will carry a two-stroke lead into Thursday's second round at Sand Creek Country Club.

Throughout his round Botta carded 10 birdies and two bogeys. Botta birdied his first two holes on his way to a front nine 3-under 33. The strong start carried over to the back nine as Botta birdied six holes, including four of his final six to finish in 5-under 31.

For many years Botta has been a member of the Italian National Team and last year he represented Italy at the World University Games in South Korea.

Penn State sophomore Evan Santa finished the first day of play in second place following a 6-under 66. Santa started on the 10th hole and was 2-under following his opening nine holes of the day. With the front nine still remaining Santa jump started his round with an eagle three on the par-5 first hole. Two more birdies followed on Nos. 4 and 5, pushing Santa to second place.

Four players; Blake Messer (Auburn), Jack Gianniny (Delaware), Bennett Buch and Michael VanDeventer (Ball State) are all tied for third at 4-under.