Golf Posts Strong Round To Finish Third At Sam Hall

Sam Hall Intercollegiate Final Results

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Ragin' Cajuns golf team carded a final round score of 7-under par (277) to finish in third on Tuesday at the Sam Hall Intercollegiate hosted at the par-71, 6,902-yard Hattiesburg Country Club.

Louisiana had four of its six golfers in action post a round of even par or better as the squad carded a 54-hole score of 8-under (844). Southeastern Louisiana won the team title with a three-round score of 16-under (836) after posting a third-round score of 9-under (275).

Seven teams posted rounds under par on Tuesday led by the host Southern Miss who notched a score of 10-under (274). The Golden Eagles (-13, 839), Louisiana (-8, 844), Ole Miss (-2, 850) and Sam Houston State (-1, 851) round out the top 5 teams at the tournament.

"This was a very valuable experience of being in the final group in the first event of the year," head coach Theo Sliman said. "We didn't succumb to the pressure, and this is going to be something that we can use to learn and apply as we get deeper into the season. I'd like to congratulate to the teams in front of us. They played some great golf today."

Casey Fernandez took home the individual title winning by seven strokes with a final score of 14-under (199).

Senior transfer Louis Kelly backed up sub-par rounds of 70 and 69 with a 68 in the final round to end the tournament in a tie for third at 6-under (207). Kelly birdied three of the last six holes of the day to secure his lowest score of the event.

"To come out there and perform well in the first tournament is very exciting," Kelly said. "I was trying to put myself in a position to make shots and finish with a low score. I feel like this is something I can build on next time out."

Haraldur Magnus, Ross Davis and Fernando Cruz Valle also placed inside the top 25. Magnus dropped eight spots after a final round 72 to finish in a tie for 11th at 2-under (211), while Davis posted a career-low round of 67 to climb 26 spots into a tie for 16th at even par (213). Davis was one hole away from carding a bogey free round with his only blemish on the card coming on the ninth hole.

Cruz Valle also recorded a sub-par round on the final day with a 70 to end the tournament in a tie for 20th at 1-over (214). The sophomore bounced back from two early bogeys in the round to tally a clean sheet on the final 14 holes.

Freshman Paul San finished just outside of the top 25 in a tie for 28th as an individual at 2-over (215). San picked up a birdie on the final hole to card his second 71 of the tournament.

"We talked last night about being aggressive and respecting the course, and the guys really executed the plan," Sliman added. "Our highest score out of 18 rounds was a 73, which is something we weren't able to accomplish last season. I think that speaks volumes to the development of the guys who were on the team last season and the quality of our new additions.

"I'm really very pleased and proud with both of the newcomers getting the monkey off of their back in their first collegiate tournament wearing Vermilion and White. They are going to continue to elevate this program and add depth to an already strong team. It is very nice to have the leadership of Louis Kelly on this squad. His ability to lead the team both physically and mentally is something we will truly value this season."

Thomas Strandemo wrapped up the scoring for the Cajuns with a 73 in the final round to place in a tie for 43rd at 5-over (218).

The Cajuns return to action next week as they head to the Memphis Intercollegiate from Sept. 15-16.

-- Ragin' Cajuns --

Golf Posts Strong Round To Finish Third At Sam Hall

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