Men’s program ends on a high note

This past weekend the Portland State men’s and women’s golf teams took to the green again in St. George, Utah, for the Big Sky Conference Championships. This was the final tournament for the men’s golf program due to the budget cutback. This coming year the men’s golf program will be eliminated from Portland State.

The men placed second at the Big Sky Championships for the second consecutive time losing to Weber State. The first day the Vikings trailed Weber State by three points, 298-301. On day two the men closed the gap shooting a 294 to Weber State’s 295. The final day of play was another good one for the Vikings, who shot 294 again, but not enough to beat Weber State’s 291.

Three of the Vikings’ upperclassmen earned All-Big Sky honors. Seniors Ben Guinta and Brodie Jordan, along with junior Doug Nelson, earned the honors by finishing in the top 10.

Guinta shot a 76-72-73 (221) to place sixth. Jordan shot a 78-74-70 (222) placing in seventh. Nelson placed eight shooting 74-76-73 (223).

The Big Sky Conference Championships hosted a total of five teams for the men side and 24 individuals.

The women’s team placed third at the Big Sky Championships for a second consecutive time as well. The Vikings shot 324-330-315 (969).

The Big Sky Championships were held at the Sunbrook Golf Course. The women’s team fell short of Champion Northern Arizona, who shot a 947, and second place Montana, who shot a 965.

Sophomore Rebecca Randolph, who placed eighth in the tourney, also earned All-Big Sky honors. Randolph shot an 82-81-73 (236).

There was a total of eight teams in the women’s championships and 33 individuals. The young women’s team did well, even without star Taya Battistella, who is out with a back injury. The women’s team will fortunately be back on the green next season.