BOULDER CITY, Nev. - The No. 2 Florida Southern College men's golf team won its 14th NCAA National Championship at Boulder Creek Golf Club on Friday afternoon. The Moccasins defeated Wingate 3-2 to pick up Florida Southern's 31st National Championship, and first since men's golf won in 2017.
Championship Match
(1) Florida Southern - 3, (3) Wingate - 2
The Mocs defeated the Bulldogs 3-2 en route to the program's 14th national championship, furthering themselves as the winningest program in Division II. All three of Florida Southern's seniors were the ones scoring the points for the Mocs, adding to each of their impressive collegiate careers.
Tyler Mistretta was first to tee off for the Mocs and finished 1-up on his opponent, Brandon Skidmore. The graduate student went down one stroke on the opening hole before tying on hole 2. He then went 1-up and held on to the advantage for most of the front nine. He worked all the way to 4-up on the back nine. Skidmore closed the gap to one stroke but Mistretta held on to clinch his match 70-71.
Donte Groppuso dominated his match against Mattia D'Errico, finishing 5-up. Groppuso carded five birdies and an eagle, tying his tournament low 66 from the semifinal round. He defeated D'Errico 66-71. The highlight of his round was sinking a 30-foot eagle putt on 15.
Anthony Monteleone fell by two-strokes to Alfie Storer. The freshman led for a majority of the front nine before Storer tied on hole 7. Monteleone battled between trailing one and tying for majority of the match. An eagle by Storer on 16 gave him the 2-stroke advantage as Monteleone fell 68-70.
Max Barile clinched the title for the Mocs, defeating Cole Rouse by 4-strokes. He led the entire match, and never trailed. He carded six birdies in the round, defeating Rouse 68-72.
Finally, Colton Swartz was the only Moc to not shoot under-par in today's round, carding an even 72. After two holes tied, Lewis Beeden gained a stroke on Swartz and held the advantage for the rest of the match.
Championship Matchups
Tyler Mistretta (FSC) def. Brandon Skidmore (WU), 70-71
Donte Groppuso (FSC) def. Mattia D'Errico (WU), 66-71
Alfie Storer (WU) def. Anthony Monteleone (FSC), 68-70
Max Barile (FSC) def. Cole Rouse (WU), 68-72
Lewis Beeden (WU) def. Colton Swartz (FSC), 68-72
