FROM STAFF REPORTS

The University of Montevallo men’s golf team captured the team championship Oct. 4-5 at the Montevallo Invitational at Timberline Golf Club in Calera.

University of Montevallo senior Emily Gibson finished in a two-way tie for first place in the women’s field following her 14-over par 156 at the Invitational.

The Montevallo women’s golf team finished fourth among the five-team field.

The Montevallo men were led by all-tournament performers Joe Haupt and Gonzalo Gambertoglio. Haupt shot a two-round score of 2-over par 144 to finish in a two-way tie for third place and just two shots behind the leaders. Gambertoglio shot a 4-over par 146 to finish tied for fifth place.

The Falcons went into the final round Oct. 5 in third place behind the University of West Georgia and Catawba College. Montevallo used a team score of 291 in the final round to make up a seven-stroke deficit and win by two strokes over West Georgia.

The Falcons other two scorers were senior Ruwaldt Viljoen and sophomore Mariano Lepori, who finished in seventh and 18th, respectively. Viljoen shot a two-round score of 5-over par 147. Lepori shot a 12-over par 154.

Montevallo freshman Jackson Byars finished 14th overall playing as an individual. Byars had a two-round score of 10-over par 152. Junior Aaron Ebert was also a part of the Falcons’ top five as he finished 22nd overall with a two-round score of 15-over par 157.

Gibson, a Toronto, Canada, native, tied Nikki Crowley of Columbus State University for the lead as they both shot a two-round score of 14-over par 156. The University of West Georgia took the team championship with a score of 651, finishing nine strokes ahead of second-place Columbus State.

The first-place finish was Gibson’s second in as many events this season.

Junior Emma Breen finished sixth overall and second for the Falcons with a two-round score of 19-over par 161. Freshman Francie Caradine finished third for the Falcons and 16th overall with a score of 29-over par 171. The Falcons final two golfers in the starting five were senior Heather Mutton and freshman Hilary Shaner. Mutton finished 23rd overall while Shaner finished 25th.

Montevallo’s top finisher playing as an individual was sophomore Kayla Witt, who finished 19th overall.

Montevallo finished ahead of Peach Belt Conference rival North Georgia College and State University.