LAKELAND, Fla. - The Eckerd men's golf team jumped right into the deep end of the competitive pool in its first tournament of the spring, facing off against 13 of the top 50 - and seven of the top 10 - teams in NCAA Division II at the Matlock Collegiate Classic on Monday and Tuesday.
The Tritons shot rounds of 314-309-315 to finish in 15th place at the event at the par-72 Lone Palm Golf Club hosted by Florida Southern.
Tim Scholl was the team's low finisher, coming in a tie for 57th, bolstered by an opening-round 74. Â Scholl reached 2-under early in the opening round after birdies on the par-4 third and seventh holes. Â The freshman followed with rounds of 80 on Monday afternoon and 77 on Tuesday.
Nick Mitchell used a trio of birdies in his second round to post a 76, his best of the tournament. Â Mitchell opened with an 80 and closed with a 79 to finish in a tie for 63rd. Â Mitchell's final round saw him roll off 11 consecutive pars.
Making his return to competition after missing the fall with an injury,
Justin Ayanian shot 80 and 78 on Monday followed by 79 on Tuesday. Â The junior was strong on the par-5's during the week, playing those holes in 3-under par.
Andrew Boyle rebounded from an opening-round 83 to post a 76 on Monday afternoon. Boyle sat at 1-over on the round with four holes to play before making bogey on three of those final four. Â He closed the tournament with an 80 on Tuesday.
Felix Bolivar, making his first start of his senior season, shot rounds of 80, 79, and 81. Â His 79 on Monday afternoon featured an eagle and three birdies.
Lynn University led wire-to-wire and took home the team championship at 9-under par, holding off a Tuesday run by Barry University for a two-stroke victory. Â Barry's final-round charge was led by low medalist Jorge Garcia, whose 64 on Tuesday vaulted him into first place at 12-under par for the tournament.
The Tritons are back on the course in two weeks' time at the Saint Leo Invitational at Lake Jovita Golf Club.
