The golf team finished in eighth place at the 49er Collegiate Classic at Skybrook Golf Club in Huntersville, N.C. Charlotte won the event by posting a score of 10-under par 854. The Golden Eagles finished with a total score of 10-over 874
The team was led by freshman phenom Ted Gray, who once again finished near the top of the leader board. Gray continued his strong play as he posted rounds of 72, 68 and 69. His tally of seven-under par was good enough for second place behind Matt Mincer of Charlotte, who finished at 14-under par.
"I didn't hit the ball as well as I would have liked," Gray said. "I made bogeys that hurt me, but I just tried to keep myself in the tournament."
Sophomore Mike Bielawski played well at the beginning by firing a 70, but he could not make a solid move down the stretch. He finished in a tie for 32nd after two disappointing rounds of 75 tallied his score to 220 for the event.
"The tourney was a letdown because we have played so well all year," Bielawski said. "It was frustrating because we have beaten most of these teams all year. I was less than content with my play because I had too many bogeys."
Junior Joe Weber tied for 43rd with a total of 223, while Steve Sass shot 229 and finished 59th. Mark Eldridge placed 71st with a 232.
The team is finishing up one of its best fall seasons ever. After winning the season-opening John Piper Intercollegiate, the Golden Eagles took a fifth place finish at the Northern Collegiate before taking another important step forward at Louisville and placing second behind the home team at the Cardinal Intercollegiate.
"The season was good because we improved during the entire season," Bielawski said. "Overall the team's scoring average was down which improved our scoring. Ted Gray has played well all season and he has consistently shot in the 60's."
Gray has scored below 70 in four rounds this fall. His scoring average is an inspiring 71.9 in five tournaments.
"I thought I improved dramatically over the fall because I had such a bad summer," Gray said. "I did not put in the hours in the summer as meaningfully as we do here. I improved my game as a whole and it's due to the constant practice on the short game that coach (Tim) Grogan stresses. He is a great coach because he emphasizes the important aspects of the game."
Junior Kyle Murphy just keeps playing consistently as his scoring average is 73.4.
Sass has improved his play as he is posting a 73 each round, and Weber's average in the fall is a solid 73.67.
The tournament concluded the fall season for the Golden Eagles golf team that featured excellent play on a consistent basis. The team will look to make the changes necessary to continue strong play in the spring.