FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Evan O’Kelly Director of Communications O: (406) 657-2130 E: evan.okelly@msubillings.edu Monday, October 17, 2016 ‘Jacket men in fourth after Day 1 at Concordia Invite
MSUB’s men’s golf team battles through tough weather conditions to shoot consistent scores of 300 and 301 in the opening two rounds of the Concordia Invite, and sits in fourth place. PORTLAND, Ore. – Steady rain and wind throughout the day at Columbia Edgewater Country Club did not prevent the Montana State University Billings men’s golf team from a strong showing on the opening day of the Concordia University Invitational, as the Yellowjackets shot a team score of 601 (300-301) on Monday. MSUB is currently in fourth place among the seven-team field, with host Concordia leading the field with a team score of 581 (296-285) on Monday. “Overall we were pleased with how the guys played, and they stayed very patient throughout the day,” said MSUB assistant coach Jeff Allen. “The golf course was playing very long because of the conditions. The weather was the main factor today, with consistent rain and some wind.” Michael Porter and Caleb Stetzner are currently in a tie for 12th place, after each shooting a two-round total of 148 on Day 1 of the event. Porter had the Yellowjackets’ best individual round of the day, carding a 72 his first time through the course. He followed with a 76 in Round 2.
Stetzner played consistently all day, with back-to-back rounds of 74. “Michael and Caleb were both rock solid for us all day,” said Allen. “This course sets up good for them because they both drive it well and hit it straight. They were good leaders for our team today.” In a tie for 25th place is freshman Garrett Woodin, who carded a 153 (79-74) on Day 1 of the event. Austin Walter is in 33rd with a 156 (75-81), and senior Connor Miele is in a tie for 37th place after shooting a 159 (82-77). Sophomores Scott Larson and Dylan Meccage also competed in the event as individuals. Larson carded a two-round total of 159 (79-80), and is in a tie for 37th place. Meccage showed solid improvement between rounds, as he shot a 164 (8579) and is in 43rd place. Leading the individual race is CU’s Tanner Huddleston, who shot a two-round total of 143 (70-73). He holds a one-stroke edge over a pair of golfers in second place. The third and final round will tee off on Tuesday morning, and it will be the final round the Yellowjackets play in the fall portion of their schedule. “This was a good showing for our team, and we look forward to the guys coming out tomorrow and improving,” Allen said. “I know they all feel they could improve a few shots here and there. Hopefully we shoot a good team score and move up the leaderboard on Tuesday.” Porter was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day for MSUB. Concordia University Invitational Columbia Edgewater Country Club | Portland, OR Rounds 1 & 2 Results | October 17, 2016 Team – 1. Concordia University, 581 (296-185); 4. MSU Billings, 601 (300-301). Individual – 1. Tanner Huddleston, CU, 143 (70-73); T12. Michael Porter, MSUB, 148 (72-76); T12. Caleb Stetzner, MSUB, 148 (74-74); T25. Garrett Woodin, MSUB, 153 (79-74); 33. Austin Walter, MSUB, 156 (75-81); T37. Connor Miele, MSUB, 159 (82-77); T37. Scott Larson, MSUB (Ind.), 159 (79-80); 43. Dylan Meccage, MSUB (Ind.), 164 (85-79). --@MSUBSports | #JacketNation--