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GAFFNEY, S.C. – Behind individual medalist honors from newcomer AJ Dietrich, the Spartanburg Methodist College men’s golf team earned a third-place finish at the Pioneer Invitational.
Dietrich, making his SMC debut, competed as a member of the Pioneers’ “D” team as SMC fielded four teams, along with one individual, in the 15-team, 85-player event.
Leading the “A” team was Thomas Campbell, who finished fifth with a 148 (75-73) to earn All-Tournament Team honors. In Tuesday’s final round, Campbell recorded an eagle and two birdies on his way to a 1-over 73.
Evan Cheek closed with a final-round 76 to tie for 10th at 153 (77-76). Tucker Simon carded a final-round 78 (+6) to finish 16th with a 158 (82-76), while Kendall Howle shot a 76 (+4) to tie for 17th. AJ Bolin posted an 80 in the final round to tie for 49th with a 167 (87-80). Howle and Bolin each recorded three birdies Tuesday.
The SMC “B” team was led by Antonio Montenora, who shot a 36-hole total of 151 (+7, 75-76) to finish eighth. Just one stroke separated the next three team members, as Jackson Welch tied for 40th with a 165 (+21, 88-77), while Bryson Paris and Conner Requidan each posted a 166. Requidan’s 14-stroke improvement in Tuesday’s final round marked the largest single-round improvement on the Pioneer roster.
For the SMC “C” team, Andrew Walker and Lucas Johnson each shot a 166 (+22) to tie for 42nd. Tripp Darwin lowered his score by eight strokes Tuesday to finish at 170 (+26, 89-81) in a tie for 61st, and Aaron Ritz tied for 71st with a 176 (+32, 87-89).
Dietrich paced the SMC “D” team. Jacob Hefer followed, trimming seven strokes off his Monday score to finish at 183 (+39, 95-88) and tie for 77th. Owen Jackson improved by 10 strokes Tuesday to post a 188 (+44, 99-89). Tristen Henne shot a 195 (+51, 97-98), and Tavarez Lacey finished at 204 (+60, 104-100).
AAC member UPIKE improved by 12 strokes as a team Tuesday to secure the team title with a 608 (+32, 310-298).
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