• News
• |
• Schedule
• |
• Roster
• |
• Archives

May 17, 2012

Results

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Western Washington University's season came to an end Thursday as it placed ninth following three days of stroke play, one shot short of advancing to match-medal action, at the NCAA II National Men's Golf Championship being contested at The Cardinal Club.

The Vikings battled South Carolina-Aiken and Central Missouri down the stretch, looking to finish among the top eight and compete in quarterfinal, semifinal and final rounds on Friday and Saturday.

In the final nine holes of Thursday's round, WWU fought back to seventh before dropping to ninth. On the last hole, a chance to tie for eighth and force a playoff rode on a six-foot birdie putt by Dylan Goodwin (Jr., Mukilteo/Kamiak) that barely missed. Goodwin had birdied two of the previous three holes.

The Vikings finished with a round of 296 for a 54-hole total of 874. Central Missouri placed eighth at 873 (289) and South Carolina-Aiken was seventh at 870 (290).

Completing the top eight were Chico State at 13-under 851 (285), followed by Nova Southeastern FL 855 (280), Central Oklahoma 856 (287), Cal State Stanislaus 858 (285), Georgia College 862 (285) and Barry FL 866 (289).

"We really struggled today," said WWU coach Steve Card (19th year). "It was a disappointing finish and a disappointing day. I feel bad for the kids. To see it end by one shot, that hurt."

The Vikings entered the day seventh after being third following Tuesday's first round.

WWU's Craig Crawford (So., Stanwood/Highland Christian) and Sandy Vaughan (Jr., Seattle/O'Dea) each tied for 25th in medalist play at 217. Crawford shot a 2-under 70, his second under par round of the tourney, and Vaughan had a 73.

Goodwin, who finished with a 76, tied for 33rd at 219.

The Vikings' Nick Varelia (Sr., Kent/Kentwood) placed 61st at 224 (77) and Jake Webb (Jr., Issaquah/Skyline) tied for 83rd at 231 (81).

WWU, which was making its first national appearance since 2008, advanced to nationals by placing fourth at the Central/West Regional. The Vikings placed eighth in the final Golf World/Nike Golf Division II College Coaches' Top 25 Poll.