FULLERTON, Calif. -- The Cal State Fullerton men's and women's golf teams showed well at the 2013 Folino Invitational earlier this year but, possibly, benefitted more from the fundraising efforts for the two programs, raising more than $205,000 in support.

"I'm excited that the Folino Invitational has grown exponentially each and every year," said Paul Folino, the tournament's namesake and main benefactor behind the return of men's and women's golf to the Cal State Fullerton campus in 2009-10. "Our supporters have gone above and beyond once again and the support that our donors have shown gives our golf teams the ability to continue to grow and improve for the foreseeable future.

"I continue to be excited to work with, and for, our golf teams as they mature into a nationally ranked program. Our athletes are great young people who represent Cal State Fullerton, their families, and our donors in the highest regard."

As a prelude to the college tournament, 26 foursomes teed off prior to the collegiate teams taking the course at the Industry Hills Golf Club in the fund-raising amateur event for invited guests on Feb. 16. Thanks to the additional support of corporate sponsors Emulex Corporation, Microsemi Corporation, CoreLogic,and First American Financial, as well as title sponsor The Automobile Club of Southern California, the dollar amount was nearly twice what was raised prior to the 2012 event, which netted the programs nearly $125,000.

"The Folino invitational has once again managed to leave me speechless," said Cal State Fullerton head men's golf coach Jason Drotter. "We raised in excess of 200 thousand dollars, making this our biggest success to date. I can't begin to articulate our appreciation for all of our donors: Paul Folino, AAA, Jeff VanHarte, and Pretorian Advisers. Those who participated have given both our men's and women's teams the ability to compete at the highest of levels. 

"With their continued support the support of our Athletic department, our women's head coach, Pearl Sinn-Bonnani, and all of our staff, our future is brighter than ever. I look forward to next year's Folino and know that it will be an even greater success. Once again, I can't thank our donors enough, they are changing the lives of many young athletes."

Further, a scholarship auction led to an additional $42,000 to help support the student-athletes in their academic and athletic careers.

"What I enjoyed most about the Folino is the interaction with the Titan golfers, all of whom are appreciative of the charitable efforts the tournament achieves, which gives me confidence that we are supporting a great effort with great kids and coaches," said Jeff Van Harte, Cal State Fullerton alumni, donor, and participant in this year's event.

On the women's side, Cal State Fullerton tied a tournament single-round record over the final 18 holes to finish second behind defending champion Gonzaga, as sophomore Seri Lee was fourth overall to pace a group of four Titans in the top 20.

After a record-setting second round, Fullerton finished fourth on the men's side paced by sophomore Ryan Tetrault, who set a tournament single-round record with a 66 in the second round and finished tied for eighth overall. Five Titans finished in the top 15.