Bulldogs Finish National Runner-Up After Historic Season

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – The Wingate men's golf team saw its historic season come to an end on Thursday evening, falling 3-2 to Florida Southern in the NCAA Division II Men's Golf National Championship match at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada.

The Bulldogs capped off one of the finest seasons in program history with a national runner-up finish after advancing through stroke play and semifinal match play to reach the championship match.

Florida Southern claimed victories in three of the five individual matches to secure the national title. Lewis Beeden earned Wingate's most dominant point of the afternoon with a strong 4-up victory over Colton Swartz. Alfie Storer used an eagle on 16 to claim a 2-up victory over Anthony Monteleone in match three. 

Tyler Mistretta defeated Brandon Skidmore 1-up to give Florida Southern the opening point, while Donte Groppuso earned a 5-up victory against Mattia D'Errico. The clincher came in match four as Max Barile earned a 4-up victory over Cole Rouse. 

Wingate's appearance in the national championship match highlighted a remarkable postseason run for the Bulldogs, who advanced to the medal match after a quarterfinal and semifinal victory yesterday The national runner-up finish marks another milestone for one of Division II's premier men's golf programs.