DUPONT, Wash. – The Montana State University Billings men's golf team was unable to move up from 13^th position Saturday and finished with a three-round score of 891 (27 over par) in the Saint Martin's Invitational on the Home Course in Dupont, Washington.
 
The 'Jackets were in competition with 13 other schools in the first golf outing of the fall season. Simon Fraser University took first place with a score of 833 (286-270-277), 31 under par as a team. Ethan de Graaf (British Columbia) won the tournament individually with a score of 2014 (68-68-68), ahead of Ethan Casto (Western Washington) and Isaac Emerson (Northwest Nazarene).
 
MSU Billings had a slow start and was in last place after a first round score equaling 305. The 'Jackets played considerably better in rounds two and three but they were unable to make up ground to pass Hawaii Pacific (12^th, 883) and Concordia University (11^th, 871). MSUB made up 18 strokes from the first to the third round of play.
 
Payton Stott tied for 28^th with a three round score of 217 (76-71-70). Garrett Woodin finished tied for 33^rd after he carded a two day total of 218 (74-72-72). Riley Lawrence was took a tie for 59^th with a score of 228 (75-79-74). Caleb Trost improved by eight strokes from round one to round three to finish tied for 64^th (80-79-71). Paul O'Neil scored 234 (81-77-76) to chart 70^th position overall.
 
"The final round was a glimpse of what we are capable of as a team," commented head coach Jeff Allen. "Unfortunately, we dug ourselves too deep of a hole yesterday to move up the leaderboard. I'm happy with how the guys responded and I look forward to today's round being the start of more consistent play."
 
NEXT UP: The Yellowjackets have a quick turnaround with three rounds to play Monday and Tuesday in Bellingham, Washington at the Western Washington Invitational at Bellingham Country Club. They are then off until October 7-8, when they appear in the Concordia Invitational at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.
 
"Our two seniors led the charge with some solid play during each round," Allen said. "We will continue to build on today and keep getting better."
 
THE BUZZ: Freshman Paul O'Neil was named St. Vincent Healthcare player of the game for completing his first collegiate tournament.
 
SAINT MARTIN'S INVITATIONAL
The Home Course | Dupont, Washington
Final Results | September 21, 2019
Team – 1. Simon Fraser, 833 (286-270-277); 13. MSU Billings, 891 (305-299-287). Individual – 1. Ethan de Graaf, BC, 204 (68-68-68); T28. Payton Stott, MSUB, 217 (76-71-70); T33. Garrett Woodin, MSUB, 218 (74-72-72); T59. Riley Lawrence, MSUB, 228 (75-79-74); T64. Caleb Trost, MSUB, 230 (80-79-71); T70. Paul O'Neil, MSUB, 234 (81-77-76).