RSU Golf Opens Strong in Invitational

The Rogers State men’s golf team wrapped up competition at the Southwestern Christian University Invitational with a 280 to take second place at Lake Hefner Golf Course early this month.

The Hillcats finished the event just two shots out of the lead, shy of the no. 8 ranked team in the nation Southern Nazarene. The Crimson Storm posted a 2-under 278.

Leading the pack for the Hillcats, RSU junior Jared Ward was one of four players tied for second place, carding a 3-under 67.

Top Hillcat golfers were Juniors Bo Sarrat and Mariano Newton joined Ward in the top 20 each carding a 69, tying for sixth place.

RSU men were looking to clinch first place in day two of the invitational but were unable to due to weather conditions.

Less than two weeks later the men’s team closed with a 302 during the final round at the 12th annual Northeastern State University Classic to finish in 15th place at the Muskogee Country Club.

The Hillcats finished the event with a team score of 595, three shots behind the University of Central Oklahoma’s second team and two shots in front of Fort Hayes State.

Owens led the team finishing in a tie for 12th with a score of 143. Other top golfers for RSU were Sarrat carding a 147 and Ward with a 149.

On the women’s side, the Hillcats finished with a score of 335 to take 3rd place at the SWCU Invitational.

The Hillcats putted passed conference opponent Oklahoma Baptist University while giving top 25 ranked team in the nation, Northwood University (Texas), tough competition.

“Last year we were shooting 360’s, 370’s, so it’s 30 shots better than last year and we still got a long way to go,” said Lynn Blevins, RSU head golf coach. “I think our potential is 320 range and so if we can shoot 320, we’re going to be competitive every tournament.

Freshman Katy Seeger finished fifth, posting an 80. She was joined in the top ten by junior Jennifer Almy who carded an 82, tying for ninth place.

Days later, the Hillcats posted 705 over the two day even at the Northeastern State University Golf Classic in Tahlequah, Okla.

Seegar carded a team best of 87 in round two tying for 43rd with a score of 170. She was followed by Almay also posting an 87 in round two tying for 60th.

Rounding out the third top golfer for the Hillcats was Whitney Holcutt shooting a second round of 92 carding a two day score 178 to tie for 65th.

RSU men will return to action on Sept. 26th as they travel to Oklahoma City to compete in the the UC Ferguson Classic. Meanwhile the women will hit the green course again Oct. 10-12 in Oklahoma City, Okla., for the OCU Stars Fall Classic.

(Photo by gssphotography.com)