MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin golf team didn’t waste any time showing it was poised for a run at the Ohio Valley Conference title this spring. The Skyhawks finished second in the Wasioto Winds Fall Kick-off Invitational earlier this week in Pineville, Ky. The tournament, hosted by Murray State, was the first tournament of the year.
The Skyhawks finished with a three-round 869. OVC rival Murray State won the tournament with a three-round 853. OVC members Morehead State and Eastern Illinois also competed in the tournament. Morehead State finished tied for fifth with a three-round 882, while Eastern Illinois shot a three-round 908 and was tenth.
“This was a good start for us,” UT Martin head golf coach Jerry Carpenter said. The Skyhawks shot a first-round 286 and 288 in the second round. The Skyhawks closed out the tournament with a 295 in the third round.
Junior Tyler Shellnut finished second in the tournament with a three-round 210, while sophomore Brendon Caballero was one stroke back with a three-round 211 and in third place.
“Both golfers had outstanding tournaments,” Carpenter said. Shellnut shot a 69, 68 and 73, while Caballero fired a 68, 73 and a 70.
Carpenter said his team had a tough time in the third round. “The pin placement was a little tougher in the third round.”
Rounding out the Skyhawks team score was freshman Tyler Guy who shot a three-round 223. Senior Graham Sleigh shot a three-round 228, while junior John Michael Sisinni fired a 229.
This was Guy’s first collegiate tournament, and Carpenter said he was pleased with the freshman. “He was a solid golfer in this tournament. He hit a lot of greens for us.”
Wasioto Winds in Pineville, Ky., was a par 72 and played to 6,719 yards.
The Skyhawks will return to action Sept. 30 when they play in the Murray State Invitational.