Sophomore Will Branham posted a career-best 67 in the final round on Tuesday, and the Morehead State men's golf team finished seventh out of 14 schools in the Murray State Invitational at Miller Memorial Golf Course.
The Eagles sat in 14th place after registering a 311 in the opening round, but bounced back to record a 286 in the second round and 287 in the third round. Morehead State's three-round 884 was its third sub-900 score in the past 11 tournaments.
"We didn't play well in the first round, but I'm very pleased with the way our young men played in the second and third rounds," Head Coach Dr. Rex Chaney said. "Our guys could've thrown in the towel after round one, but they didn't do that."
Branham tied for fourth out of 81 individuals with a 54-hole score of 212, which was also his career low. He tallied rounds of 72 and 73 on Monday.
Sophomore Logan Hogge closed out with a 68 en route to a three-round 220 for Morehead State, while freshman Ryan Daniels turned in a 222, sophomore Brad Newnam posted a 231 and senior Michael Pinsonneault finished with a 239.
Junior Jared Stacy, playing as an individual for the Eagles, fired a three-round 224. Branham, Hogge and Daniels (67 in the second round) all broke 70.
"Will is a special talent, and he showed that across all three rounds in this tournament," Chaney said. "Logan and Ryan also came up with some terrific scores to help our team climb seven spots. All three players have bright futures ahead of them."
Lipscomb (857) edged Alabama State in a playoff to win the team championship. Eastern Kentucky (860), Murray State (861), UT Martin (862) and Belmont (867) finished ahead of MSU.
Murray State sophomore Preston French, who carded rounds of 69, 68 and 70, earned medalist honors with a three-round 207. The course played at a par of 71 and yardage of 6,601.
The Eagles continue fall action on Monday and Tuesday at the Cincinnati Bearcat Invitational in Hebron, Ky. The 54-hole affair will be played at the Traditions Golf Club.
