Billings, Mont.- Highlighting the Yellowjacket Invitational at Laurel Golf Club, the Montana State University Yellowjacket men's and women's golf team had three top-5 overall finishers. Paul O'Neil and Liam O'Halloran both tied for 5^th place on the men's side, and Orraya Tipasathien tied for 4^th on the women's side. All of which made the Yellowjacket Invitational All-Tournament team.
 
Going into the third round the men's "A" team was behind the leader by nine strokes. With the 20+ mph winds it didn't look promising for a comeback. The 'Jackets battled their way back and made up seven strokes, but ultimately fell short by two. The "A" team posted a three-round score of 869 (291-290-288) and placed 2^nd out of the 9 teams competing. "They posted some really good scores this week," said coach Buie. "Even par was the low round today, and we didn't have a guy shoot above 76." The MSUB "B" team finished 7^th as a team, posting a three-round score of 900 (302-302-296).
 
Liam O'Halloran led the way for the "A" team posting a three-round score of 216 (72-73-71) and tied for 5^th place overall out of the 51 men competing. "Liam has been strong all fall averaging 72 strokes per round," said Buie. "His ball striking and ability to hit greens in regulation have been the keys to his success, and I am just happy that his game is clicking during his senior year."
 
Behind O'Halloran was Lucas Howell who posted a 218 (72-74-72) and tied for 11^th place. Kevin Kolb posted a three-round score of 219 (76-72-71) in 15^th place, followed by Blake Finn who posted a 220 (73-73-74) who tied for 16^th, and lastly Carson Garner who tied for 18^th and posted a 221 (74-72-75).
 
Paul O'Neil had his best tournament finish of the year and led the way for the Yellowjacket men's "B" team. O'Neil posted a three-round score of 216 (75-69-72) and tied for 5^th place overall. Following was Jarek Shepherd who had a three-round personal best at 221 (73-78-70) and tied for 18^th. Shepherd's 70 in the final round of the tournament was also a career best for the sophomore. Also competing was Brady Cady who posted a 223 (74-76-73) and tied for 23rd, Vuttichai Tharpanawongwech who posted a 242 (81-80-81) in 42^nd, and Quinn Haigwood who posted a 249 (80-79-90) in 48^th.
 
On the women's side, the Yellowjackets posted a two-round score of 638 (314-324) and took 4^th place out of the 9 teams competing. "The women posted a good 314 yesterday but we slipped today with a 324," said Buie. "A little disappointed we didn't play better at our home course, but still happy that we are averaging much lower scores than last year."
 
Orraya Tipasathien paved the way for the 'Jackets, posting a two-round score of 153 (75-78) and tying for 4^th place overall out of the 51 women competing. "Orraya has had a wonderful fall, finishing top-10 in every single event as a freshman!" said Buie.
 
Behind Tipasathien was Gia Vargas and Tatum York-Bement who tied for 14^th place. Vargas posted a two-round score of 160 (76-84), and York-Bement posted a 160 (81-79). "Gia and Tatum have stepped in very nicely as newcomers and have really contributed to our team's success," Buie stated.
 
Rounding out the women's team was Hannah Adams who posted a score of 165 (82-83), tying for 22^nd place, and Meilyn Armstrong who posted a two-round score of 179 (93-86) in 26^th place overall.
 
Also competing as individuals was Adessa Lundberg in 18^th place and posted a two-round score of 161 (80-81). Following Lundberg as individuals was Haylee Adams who posted a score of 169 (81-88) in 30^th place, and Chloe Van Strien who posted a two-round score of 176 (88-88) and tied for 37^th overall.
 
 
THE BUZZ: Paul O'Neil and Orraya Tipasathien were named Intermountain Health Players of the Tournament.
 
COMING UP: The Yellowjackets head into some down time as they don't compete until the spring semester. Make sure to follow along for updates as the 'Jackets head into the championship segment of their 2023-24 season.