Location: Bluefield, VA – Fincastle Country Club

Bluefield University proudly hosted the second annual Fincastle Invitational this week, showcasing 16 teams and 96 golfers. The Rams delivered impressive performances from both the men's and women's teams. The men's team finished strong in third place, with Jacob Mitchell earning fourth place with a combined score of 141 and Brayden Surface following closely in fifth with a combined score of 144. The women's team secured fourth place overall, with both Savannah Riley and Lindsey Howlett recording combined scores of 166 and finishing in third place individually. Notably, Jacob, Brayden, Savannah, and Lindsey were all named to the All-Tournament team.

Round 1 Performance: Men's Team
The men's team kicked off Round 1 with a solid performance, securing third place overall. Jacob Mitchell set the pace with an impressive score of 70, placing him fourth individually. Brayden Surface also contributed significantly, finishing in tenth place with a score of 73. The team collectively shot a total of 294, bolstered by additional performances from Eetu Kilpinen (75), Silas Miller (76), and Tanner Walls (83). While pleased with their initial results, the players remained focused on making adjustments for Round 2 to enhance their standings.

Round 1 Performance: Women's Team
In Round 1, the women's team made a remarkable impression, finishing in third place overall. Savannah Riley shone brightly with a score of 78, tying for second, while Lindsey Howlett also delivered a strong performance, securing sixth place with an 82. The team recorded a total score of 365, with valuable contributions from Emma Vickers (96), Tristen Gillenwater (109), and Lexi Sandlin (113). Their strong opening round laid a solid foundation as they aimed to build on their success in Round 2.

Round 2 Challenges
Day 2 presented more challenging conditions, with intermittent rain affecting play. Despite the adverse weather, the teams remained optimistic, particularly since they were competing on their home turf. Jacob Mitchell, hailing from England, embraced the rain, feeling at ease due to his experience with similar conditions. His adaptability, along with that of his teammates, was evident as three out of five members improved their scores on the second day. The men's team finished with a total score of 587, maintaining their third-place position behind Columbia College and Walter State Community College.
The women's team faced tougher conditions on Day 2, with heavy rainfall impacting their performance. Acknowledging areas for improvement amid the challenging weather, they concluded with a total score of 741. Both Savannah Riley and Lindsey Howlett, competing in their first collegiate tournament, expressed excitement about their results and are eager to develop further as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead
Both the men's and women's teams will next compete at Milligan University on September 23rd and 24th. With their strong performances at the Fincastle Invitational, the Rams are motivated to build on their success and continue their impressive season.