Pirates Golf won the Blue Devil Invitational by seven strokes with a total team score of 633 in the two-day event. The field was comprised of all junior college opponents.
Though the Pirates took home top honors, the rounds of 314-319 were not the best the Pirates have shot this fall. "A win is always a win, but this one felt different. We always strive to play our best and keep improving; that didn't happen this time," commented Coach Sager. "A few distractions off the course altered our team mood and competitive spirit. We're going to make sure that doesn't happen again."
Individually, the Pirates held the top three spots after the opening round. In the end, the Pirates couldn't secure the individual win. Lewis Hopkinson topped all Pirate performers with a 3rd place +11 finish. Scott Swayne ended in 4th place at +13. Jasper van der Zon, despite holding the round one lead, ended in 6th at +15. "There are a lot of positives to take away from the tournament. Jasper sleeping on an overnight lead, Lewis knowing he was only one back and Van Barr playing well on day one; all great takeaways," stated Sager.
The Pirates will look to keep their eyes on the big picture as they continue to improve as a team. "We had a lot on the line as far as national rankings and we didn't take care of our business in Kansas City," added Sager. With one fall tournament left, the team will look to make their mark on the national stage. "Mississippi is now on our radar. That will be an amazing field of competition and a great chance to prove ourselves."