Paul McConnell won his first collegiate tournament Tuesday.

Men's Golf 3/15/2011 12:00:00 AM

McConnell wins San Diego Intercollegiate, team co-champion of tournament

March 15, 2011

San Diego, Calif. -

When all was finished at the San Diego Intercollegiate golf tournament Tuesday, the UT Arlington golf team returned home with the individual medalist honor and the honor of being co-champion of the tournament.

The Mavs' Paul McConnell carded a two-under 70 to take care of the individual medalist competition. The sophomore won his first collegiate tournament as he finished at two-under par 214 to edge SMU's Kelly Kraft by a stroke.

The Mavericks entered Tuesday's final round just three shots off the lead held by SMU and still trailed the Mustangs by that same margin with three holes remaining.

UTA was also to close that gap as the team finished with three players in the top seven and was able to return home with a share of the title, their second in their last three tournaments after winning the Lone Star Invitational in their last tournament of the fall.

Tournament winner McConnell and Wes Worster helped fuel the Mavs comeback as each had two birdies over the final three holes.

"We played well today and kept fighting to the end to force that tie," UTA head coach Jay Rees, who captured his 11th team title, said. "I was proud of the way they guys hung in there at the end. They knew the tournament was on the line and they kept grinding it out to earn a share of first. I thought we would play well because we had some great practice rounds."

In the process of winning the tournament, the Mavericks defeated two of the top 20 teams in the nation in No. 6 San Diego State and No. 19 San Diego. The sixth-ranked Aztecs are the highest ranked team a Jay Rees-led team has defeated.

McConnell registered five birdies on his round, which were offset by three bogeys. He finished the tournament playing all three rounds at par or better.

Worster carded a one-under 71 Tuesday and finished in a tie for third. The senior had an eagle on the par-5 14th and also added four birdies. Only a double bogey on the final hole kept him for tying his teammate for individual medalist honors.

Zack Fischer shot a one-over 73 in the final round to finish in a tie for seventh at two-over 218.

While Lyle did shoot a 77, he did finish in a tie for 20th at seven-over 223. He was hurt by having three bogeys in the final four holes.

Carson Kallis finished in a tie for 28th after shooting 78 Tuesday for a nine-over 225. Hunter Brown shot a three-over 75 and finished in a tie for 36th at 12-over 228.

UTA next plays at the Border Olympics in Laredo on March 25 and 26.

Jay Rees Tournament Titles

2011 San Diego Intercollegiate

2010 Lone Star Invitational

2010 Jim West Intercollegiate

2008 UTA/Waterchase Invitational

2007 UT Arlington Fall Classic

2007 Texas Cup Intercollegiate

2007 Diet Pepsi/Shocker Classic

2005 SLC Championship

2004 Squire Creek Invitational

2004 SMU Stonebridge Invitational