CBU stretched a five-stroke lead to a 14-stroke win, posting a 291 in the final 18 holes for the third tournament win in program history. It was the Lancers first collegiate championship title of any kind. CBU's opening round 294 had been the best round of the tournament until the Lancers bested it on Wednesday. The Lancers' 887 (294-302-291) beat Dallas Baptist (901) by 14 and Southeastern (903) by 16. North Greenville (906) and Trevecca Nazarene (911) rounded out the Top 5 in the field of 18 teams.
"This is the way we wanted to close out our fall season," said Head Coach Lane Pace, who was named the NCCAA Coach of the Year. "I am extremely proud of the way the guys played and especially the way they finished the tournament today. Finishing a tournament is what makes a good team great and these guys have figured out how to do that over the last couple weeks."
Tim Tait led the Lancers each day, finishing second individually with a 215 (72-72-71). Only Justin Burns' (Central Baptist) three-under 213 (72-67-74) was better. Tait was the only player in the field to shoot par or better each round, earning NCCAA All-American honors for his play.
"Tim figured out how to play this course, he stayed patient and limited his mistakes," said Pace. "This is a very tough course and for him to consistently put up those scores says something. He anchored a great all around effort from this team."
CBU had four of five players finish in the Top 15. Micah Machado finished tied for 11th with a 225 (75-72-78), and Fredrik Hansson (75-78-73) and Steven Watson (72-80-74) tied for 13th at 226. Leonard Rooney shot 234 (78-83-73).
"Even Leonard had tough time this week, but came back to shoot 73 today so we didn't have to keep a 78," said Pace. "That's what we got each round from someone and that's what it takes to win. The guys are really playing team golf right now."
It was the second win in a row for the Lancers, who took first in the CMS Coed Invitational last week. The Lancers have finished second, sixth, first and first in their four fall tournaments this year. CBU had just one win back in 2008 coming in to this season.
"Now we go back to work until our spring season starts up," said Pace. "With the talent and confidence this team has we definitely plan on taking a run at that conference title this year."
The spring season for the Lancers kicks off Feb. 13-14, at the Cal State Bakersfield Invitational. CBU will have six tournaments before heading to Kona Coast, Hawaii for the Conference Championship.
