Sam Houston State’s men’s golf team ended the Jim West Intercollegiate tournament just behind Saint Mary’s in its last tune-up before conference.
SHSU was able to finish ahead of Southland Conference rival Stephen F. Austin State, who ended the tournament three-over.
“We lost to a very good team, but we had a good chance with a few holes left,” SHSU head coach Brandt Kieschnick said. “We will get ready for the conference by continuing to work hard and do the same preparation we’ve done all season.”
Texas-Arlington and Arkansas-Little Rock both tied for fourth place with a total score of 876. Louisiana Monroe and Oral Roberts both shot an 881 tying them both for sixth place.
Senior Zach Cabra tied for second with rival Pep Angles from Central Arkansas who both ended with a total score of 209 throughout the three rounds. Cabra shot a 70 in both the first and third round, and shot a 69 in the second. At last season’s SLC championship, Cabra won the tournament one shot ahead of Angles.
“I thought I gave myself several opportunities all week and put myself in the right spots to make putts,” Cabra said. “I just need to continue to work on thinking through each shot.”
Sophomore Andrew Ertel tied for 10th place with Grant Bennett from Wichita State and Mac Marr from Saint Mary’s. Ertel shot a 69 in the first round, and his game slowly suffered as he shot a 72 in the second and 76 in the third.
Freshman Jake McCrory tied with seven other players by shooting a 70 in the first round and a 75 in the second ending in the third with a 73. Senior J. T. Taylor tied for 22nd by shooting a 75 in the first round and slowly lowering his score shooting a 73 in the second and a 72 in the third. Senior Logan Boatner tied for 30th with a 73 in the first and third round while shooting a 75 in the second.
The Bearkats is preparing for their next tournament where they will defend their Southland Conference 2014 championship. The men will play Monday through Wednesday, April 20-22 in McKinney at the Stonebridge Country Club.