OCC’s Mercado-Kiel qualifies for State

GLENDORA — Orange Coast College men’s golf standout Marcus Mercado-Kiel earned a spot at this year’s state finals after finishing tied for fifth at the Southern California Regional Championship on Monday at the Glendora Country Club (par 72).

Mercado-Kiel used an eagle and seven birdies over the 36-hole event and fired a one-over-par 145. By finishing in the top 18, Mercado-Kiel qualified for the California Community College Athletic Assn. State Golf Championships at Santa Maria Country Club on Monday.

As a team, the Pirates finished fourth with a team score of 759. College of the Canyons won the regional with a score of 722, while College of the Desert also qualified for the team title next week with a 734. Glendale was the only other team ahead of OCC after shooting a 746.

Kyle Frame shot a six-over 150, while teammate Chris Cochran was a shot behind with a seven-over 151. Other scores for the Pirates included Adam Oser (159) and Mike Squillace (160).

— From staff reports