The Fort Lewis College men’s and women’s golf teams are heading back to Durango early after failing to advance at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Golf Championships.
The men lost a team medal match to No. 2 seed Colorado Christian, three matches to two. Matt Huntley and Michael Thomas did their part for the Skyhawks, but the other three matches went to the Cougars. Thomas’ 78 was four shots better than his opponent, while Huntley’s even-par day was the best of the two teams. Huntley had an impressive freshman year and finished it off by clobbering his opponent by eight shots.
FLC senior Dillon Washburn had a chance to make a difference in the outcome, but couldn’t catch Colorado Christian’s Luke Condon down the stretch as Washburn’s 75 was two strokes too many.
The Cougars lost to Colorado Mines in the afternoon semifinal and the Orediggers will face University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in the finals on Tuesday.
The Fort Lewis women finished in a tie for eighth with Chadron State, at 66-over-par (649), after a disappointing day two for most of the squad.
Lindsey Blythe had to be pleased with her effort, however, after posting her best score of the year.
The junior’s second-round 77 was the low round for FLC on Monday and an astounding 20 shots better than her season average.
Blythe and junior Lauren Trujillo, who posted a pair of 83s to finish in a tie for 37th, will be keys to the team as the only returning seniors next season.
They’ll join freshman Isabella Martinez, who had a fantastic first year at Fort Lewis. After firing a 76 in Sunday’s first round, Martinez had a few big numbers on day two as three double bogeys and a triple bogey led to an 84.
Skyhawks’ senior Jessica Thulson started the day in seventh place after an impressive 75 on Sunday, but fell down the leaderboard down the stretch as she played her final three holes 5-over-par to shoot 83.
Thulson will be missed next year, as she’s been the Skyhawks’ best playerFLC freshman Milena Singletary finished with a two-day total of 179, good for 60th place.
Colorado Mesa’s Taylor Walters finished at the top individually, and was the only player in the tournament to finish under par.
Her 1-under, two-day total of 143 was two shots better than second place finisher Alex Darwin from University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.
Metro State and UC-Colorado Springs finished as the top two teams and will play an 18-hole match Tuesday to determine the RMAC champions. CSU-Pueblo and Western New Mexico will play for third place.
jfries@durangoherald.com
