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11/5/2008 - MEN'S GOLF
Upstate's Lawrence, Stetson Win at Stetson/CFSC Invite
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Courtesy UpstateSpartans.com
DeLAND, Fla. - USC Upstate Michael Lawrence's birdie on the 18th hole beat Stetson's Thomas Parker to win the medalist honors, but the Hatters claimed the Stetson/CFSC Invitational team title.
Lawrence entered Tuesday's final round with a one-stroke advantage over Parker. With Upstate and Stetson beginning the day tied atop the team standings, the Spartans and Hatters were paired together in the same group. Lawrence and Parker were also paired together and had a classic showdown. After 18 holes, Lawrence matched Parker's 72 to win the title. It marked the first individual championship for the Spartans this season after winning six last year. Lawrence won the individual championship at the Rutgers Invitational to open the 2007-08 season, Upstate's first playing on the NCAA Division I level.
"I figured it was down to me and Tommy (Parker) and when he missed his birdie attempt, I thought, `perfect.' I read it, it was dead straight and it went in. At that point, I was hoping I won and went to the scoreboard. It was exciting."
"Michael's performance was fantastic," said Upstate head coach Todd Lawton. "He started 3-over through his first seven holes and played his final 11 holes 3-under to win by one. He played for a win all day, kept focused and got it. It's great for him to get a win to end the fall season."
Lawrence led all tournament players in par-4 scoring, finishing 2-under on the par-4s throughout the 54-hole tournament. He also topped the tournament with 11 birdies.
Stetson shot three under par as a team in the final round breaking a 36-hole tie and catapulting it to a 10-stroke victory. Parker (Palm Beach, Fla.) finished second by one stroke while junior Dave McAndrew (Barrington, R.I.) captured fourth place.
McAndrew and sophomore Gabe Costa (Tequesta, Fla.) each shot two under par 70 while Parker came home with an even par 72 and sophomore Michael Stewart (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) carded a 73. McAndrew placed fourth at +3, Costa tied for 11th at +6 and Stewart finished in 16th place with a +8 score.
The five other 2008-09 Hatters competed as individuals, led by junior Michael Bain (Orlando, Fla.), who tied for 28th place at 13 over par. Senior Greg Chalas (Natick, Mass.) led all individuals with a 75 in the final round and tied for 31st place at +14. Freshman Andrew Schiano (Orlando, Fla.) tied for 33rd at +15, sophomore Alex Jestings (Providence, R.I.) tied for 39th place at +21 and sophomore Joe Brown (Ponte Vedra, Fla.) came in 41st at +22.
Stetson's final team score of +11 gave it a 10-stroke win over former conference rival Florida Atlantic with current A-Sun foe USC Upstate taking third at 24 over par. Rollins placed fourth at +32 and Volusia County rival Bethune-Cookman secured fifth place with a +35 total. B-CU’s Andy Heesom tied for the low round of the tournament with a 69 on Tuesday to finish third individually. The rest of the field was rounded out by Jacksonville (+39), South Carolina State (+45) and Florida A&M (+68).
