Salem State Claims Fourth Straight MASCAC Men's Golf Championship
Salem State University claimed its fourth straight and 20th overall Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championship on Tuesday afternoon with a 31-stroke victory over runner-up Westfield State at the Blackstone National Golf Club in Sutton, Mass.
Courtesy Worcester State Sports Information
Sutton, MA --- Salem State senior
Nick Zolotas (Peabody, MA) and sophomore Tom Grant (Mansfield, MA)
both placed in the top five to help the Vikings capture their
fourth consecutive and 13th MASCAC Championship this afternoon at
the par-72 Blackstone National Golf Course.
The crown marks SSU’s third consecutive title in the last
three years. The tournament was restarted in 2010 after a 19-year
hiatus. Today’s team score for the Vikings of 312 (+24) is
one stroke better than their previous victory last season.
Westfield State took home the runner-up trophy with a combined
score of 343 (+55) and Worcester State followed with a team tally
of 351 (+63). Three individuals for MCLA competed in a tournament
field of 19 competitors as they did not have the required number
for a team score.
Zolotas dominated the field with a round of 66 (-6) which was three
strokes off the course record of 63. He was -4 on the four
par-5 holes, had only two bogeys and recorded an eagle on the
par-4, 346-yard sixth hole. Zolotas also improved on his
first place finish from a year ago at the 2011 MASCAC Championship
by three strokes as he shot 69 (-3).
Senior Shane Ortega (Pittsfield, MA) of MCLA placed in second with
a score of 77 (+5). Grant carded a 79 (+7) which was good for
third place as Tyler Labonte (Brewster, MA) of Westfield State
handed in a card of fourth place with an 80 (+8). MCLA junior
Sean Cota (Adams, MA) came in fifth place with a final score of 81
(+9).
Worcester State junior Joe Belanger (Holden, MA) and Salem State
freshman Craig Farley (Bradford, MA) both tied for sixth with
scores of 83 (+12). Senior Chris Berry (Rutland, MA) and
junior Matt Sebet (Westwood, MA) – both of Salem State
– took home eighth place scorecards (84; +12).
Junior Rory Wilkowich (Okotoks, Alberta) of Westfield and
second-year James Letourneau (Seekonk, MA) of Worcester State
rounded out the top-ten as they tied with scores of 86 (+14).
