EWC golf teams sweep McCook Community College tournament

TORRINGTON, Wyo. – Eastern Wyoming College’s men’s and women’s golf teams both finished atop the leaderboard at the McCook Community College golf tournament Sept. 24-25 in McCook, Nebraska.

The Lancer men finished at 1-over par as a team, eight strokes ahead of the host McCook Community College team. Lamar Community College finished third at 14-over par.

The EWC women dominated the team standings, finishing at 17-over par. The Lancers finished 106 strokes ahead of the second-place team, which finished at 123-over par. North Platte Community College finished third at 125-over par.

EWC also had strong individual performances on both sides.

Ben Brown led the Lancers on the men’s side, finishing at 6-under par to take first place individually. Jace Nielsen tied for third at 1-under par, while Aiden Walker tied for sixth at 2-over par. Archibald Stockton, Josh White and Nash Coleman also competed for EWC.

On the women’s side, all six Lancer golfers finished in the top 10. Ashlyn Matheson led EWC, finishing second at even par. Tristyn Green placed third at 1-over par, while Evita Babraityte and Madison Fujimoto tied for fourth.

Izabel Nelson finished ninth at 17-over par, while Kaidyn Patterson tied for 10th at 18-over par.

The tournament was shortened to one day after heavy rain hit McCook on Thursday.

“The tournament was shortened to a one-day event on Friday because when we arrived on Thursday, it poured rain all afternoon,” EWC Golf Coach Zach Smith said. “It actually allowed us to buzz around town and spend some quality time together as a team.”

Smith praised Brown for another outstanding performance.

“Ben continues to play at a phenomenal level,” Smith said. “It’s fun to watch and talk with him throughout the round to see how he is approaching the day.”

The EWC men’s team continued its strong fall season with another team victory.

“Overall, the guys played well again to shoot plus 1 for another tournament team victory,” Smith said.

Smith also highlighted Walker’s contributions to the team.

“Aiden has really stepped forward this year and helped the team tremendously,” Smith said. “He works very hard in the gym and at the course to be the best that he can be.”

On the women’s side, Smith said Matheson continued her strong play, while Green had her best collegiate tournament.

“Ashlyn had another strong round, finishing the day at level par, best of the Lancer girls team,” Smith said.

“Freshman Tristyn Green by far her best college tournament, finishing the tournament at plus 1,” he said. “She works very hard before and after qualifying. I was happy for her to see it paying off.”

With three fall tournaments remaining, Smith said the Lancers are positioned well as they continue the season.

“The team is in a good spot as we look at three more fall tournaments,” Smith said.