TOPEKA, KAN. – Led by three golfers in the top 25, including an 11-place finish from junior
Jack Evans, the University of Sioux Falls Men's Golf Team finished fourth in the team standings at the Washburn Invitational, which concluded Tuesday (March 23) at the Topeka Country Club.
With a final round of 302, the Cougars finished at 50-over par, 902 (305-295-302) for fourth place as they placed eight shots out of third place which was held by Southwestern Oklahoma State with a 42-over par 894 (301-293-300). Hosted Washburn, led by medalist Andrew
Beckler with a 13-under par 200 (64-68-68), captured the title with a nine-over par 861 (283-291-287) with Missouri Western State in second with a 18-over par total of 870 (292-284-294).
USF, which will compete at the NSIC Preview Invitational on March 29-30 in Topeka, Kan., finished in the top-five for the third straight tournament and five of the last seven competitions dating to spring 2020.
The Cougars were led by Evans, who was tied for 11th as he moved up four spots on the final day to finish 11
th at 10-over par 223 (72-77-74). His 223 was 16 shots before than his 239 at the Hillcat Classic and nine shots better than his previous best of 232 at the Battle for the Belt on March 8-9. The 72 by Evans in the opening round was his best 18-hole round of the season.
USF also had a second top-15 finish as senior Brendan Bassing carded a 12-over par 225 (79-71-75).
Bassing also carded his best round of the year with an even par 71 on round two. With his 75 in the final round, Bassing moved up two spots.
Senior
Jacob Zosel moved up from T-32 from T-23
rd by carding a 74 in the final round, which was tied with Evans for the best by a USF golfer on the final round. Zosel finished at 15-over par 228 (75-79-74). Zosel has carded eight straight rounds of 79 or lower with four rounds of 75 or lower.
Sophomore
Gavin Metz finished 19-over par 232 (81-72-79) to place 40
th in the field of 100 golfers from 16 teams. His 72 in the second round was his second best of the season. The three-round total of 232 is his second best of the season.
Senior
JJ Cooney was 43
rd at the invitational with a three-round total of 22-over par 235 (79-75-81).
Playing as an individual, Jake
Oetzmann finished tied for 70
th with a three-round total of 34-over par 247 (82-84-81).
