MSSU golf takes third at Oklahoma tournament

(From MSSU Lions Athletic News)

Kingston, Okla. - The Missouri Southern golf team used a 299 on their final round to move up three spots to finish the Texoma Championships in third place Tuesday afternoon at the Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club.

Junior Taylor Lansford once again led the Lions as he finished in third place with a tournament total of a 4-over 220 (73-75-72). Sophomore Connor Neil finished tied for 12th with a three round total of a 12-over 228 (74-77-77), while juniorCameron Hamilton carded a two day total of 232 (77-80-75) for a share of 20th. Senior Ethan Hutcheson moved up five spots with his final round of 75 to card a 236 for the event, while freshman Tripper Jensen finished with a three round total of 241.

The Lions started the day in sixth place after a first day that saw them drop from being one shot out of the lead following the first round. Southern used another 299 in the final round to move up three spots and into third place while the host Southeastern Oklahoma State carded a final round of 290 to leap frog day one leader Paris Junior College for the team title. Southeastern Oklahoma finished ten strokes ahead of Paris with an 891 (310-291-290), PJC was second with a 901 (298-299-304), then the Lions in third 911 (299-313-299). Defending champions Rogers State (303-307-303) finished in a tie for fourth with Southern Arkansas (306-302-305) at 913 and six strokes back in sixth was East Central at 919 (312-297-310). Northwestern Oklahoma State rounded at the field with a three round total of 937 (322-307-308).

"Third out of seventh is not good enough," said head coachMike Wheeler. "Southeastern gave us an opportunity with a bad first round but we didn't take advantage of it. We have two weeks to get ready for the MIAA Points Event in St. Joe."

The individual medalist came from host Southeastern Oklahoma as Mason Horner finished the Texoma Championships at 2-under 214 (78-67-69). Second place went to Blake Elliot of Paris Junior College, Elliot had led the tournament for the first 36 holes.

The Lions will take a week off before they travel to the Central Regional Invitation at the St. Joseph Country Club in St. Joseph, Missouri on October 12-13. The Invitational, hosted by Missouri Western, will be the second MIAA Points Event of the fall season.