Men’s golf team hits 13th in nation

The University’s men’s golf team extended their winning streak to five with a victory at the Coca Cola Intercollegiate tournament in Savannah, Ga. during spring break.

Jacob Walsh and Joey Rippel tied for first individually. Both golfers shot an even par 216 over three rounds. Walsh began the tournament with scores of 68 and 67 and finished with an 81. Rippel shot scores of 70, 71 and 75.

Brandon Ellis finished tied for fourth with Sean Metcalf of SCAD, and Paul Aube placed tied for seventh. Ellis finished five over par with Aube nine over. The Patriots shot 883 over the three-round tournament, outplaying second-placed Christopher Newport by 27 strokes.

The University’s women’s team placed second behind Wheaton University at the same tournament. Katie Harris placed fifth with a two-day total of 178. Meaghan Howell placed sixth and Jennifer King seventh.

The week before, the Patriots took first place at Mississippi College/Louisiana College Invitation at Black Bear Golf Course in Delhi, La. Walsh earned the individual honor there as well, shooting 70 and 75. Rippel placed third with scores of 79 and 72.

Ellis took fifth, tying Ryan Ratcliff of Mississippi College, with a two-day total of 157. The Patriots first-place score of 613, topped McMurry University by 19 strokes, in a field consisting mostly of American Southwest Conference schools.

The wins moved the Patriots to 13th in the nation.