LUBBOCK, Texas – In windy conditions, Georgia State shot a final round 300 to finish at 16-over par and in 12th-place at the NCAA Lubbock Regional at The Rawls Course. Senior Damon Stephenson, playing his final collegiate event finished even par for the tournament and tied for 22nd.
After standing just seven strokes back entering the final round, the Panthers were only able to make seven birdies in tough conditions. Georgia State had made the third-most birdies behind only Texas and Texas Tech entering the last day of play.
Stephenson’s round was highlighted by back-to-back birdies on holes No. 17 and 18 before making the turn to the front nine.
“The guys grinded today,” head coach Joe Inman said. “We knew we had to get off to a fast start to put some pressure on the teams ahead of us and we were just not able to do it. I am sad that the season has ended, but also know the future is bright as four starters will be back next year.
“It has been a pleasure to watch Damon play over the last four years. He has made great contributions to our program, helped us make a pair of NCAA Regionals and has an individual title to his name. We wish him all the best of luck in the future.”
Junior J.J. Grey shot a final round 77 to finish 2-over for the tournament and tied for 33rd.
Sophomore Nathan Mallonee added a 3-over 74 to finish tied for 61st at 9-over, while freshman Alexander Herrmann shot a final round 75, finishing tied for 69th at 13-over. Freshman Max Herrmann rounded out the line-up with a final round 77 to tie for 65th at 12-over.
No. 2 Texas shot a final round 9-under 275 to win the regional by four strokes over No. 9 Texas Tech which finished at 18-under. No. 48 Duke finished third at 8-under, followed by No. 13 Auburn in fourth at 7-under. Purdue and No. 35 Houston went to a playoff for the fifth and final spot to advance to the NCAA Championship later this month.
Houston’s Blair Hamilton and Texas Tech’s Clement Sordet shared low medalist honors at 8-under par. Texas’ Gavin Hall finished third at 7-under, followed by Cal’s K.K. Limbhasut and Louisville’s Robin Sciot-Siegrist in a tie for fourth at 5-under.
Georgia State loses seniors Damon Stephenson and Davin White, but have already signed three for the upcoming season.