JOPLIN, MO – Walters State battled a tough course on Tuesday afternoon in the final round of the NJCAA DII National Preview, finishing in 7th place overall.

The Senators shot a 317 on Tuesday morning, finishing the tournament with a 76-over, 940. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College won the tournament with a 17-over 881. 

Nate Vaughan was the top finisher for Walters State in the tournament, shooting a 17-over, 233 for a tie for 14th place. Vaughan shot an 83 in the final round on Tuesday.

Following behind Vaughan was freshman Sawyer Spoone with a tie for 21st. Spoone ended the tournament with a 19-over, 235 after shooting an 83 in round three. Spoone's lone birdie of the round came on the 18th hole. 

Jeremy Ellis was the next finisher for Walters State with a tie for 30th. Ellis shot a 24-over, 240 for the tournament and an 80 on Tuesday morning. Ellis had birdies on four and 16 in round three. 

The final two golfers for Walters State were AJ Rinehart and JT McKenzie. Rinehart finished in a tie for 35th with a 25-over, 241. In round three, Rinehart shot a 76 with birdies on holes seven, 10 and 16. 

McKenzie finished in a tie for 49th with a 29-over, 245. McKenzie shot a 78 on Tuesday to close out the tournament. 

Mississippi Gulf Coast's Matt Wilkinson shot a 3-under to win the tournament. 

Up Next:

Walters State will conclude their fall season in the 2021 Eagle Invitational at Nob North Golf Course. The tournament will be Nov. 1-2. 

Rob Harvey

Walters State Community College

Sports Information Director

Cell: (423) 779-8880

Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu

Website: www.ws.edu/athletics