Oct. 9, 2012

By Melissa Cebold | UTAMavs.com

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SOUTH BEND, Indiana - The UT Arlington men's golf team finished fifth and three Mavericks finished in the top 10 at the Fightin Irish Gridiron Classic, which ended Tuesday.

"We shot the low round of the day, which was our goal," UT Arlington head golf coach Jay Rees said of the 288 total. "We had cold, windy conditions and we clawed our way back into the tournament."

Seniors Hunter Brown and Paul McConnell, and freshman Riley Fleming finished the final round with even-par 71s.

"Hunter played the most consistent of all the guys," Rees said. "He was prepared this week and we're proud to see him finish second."

Brown tied for second, just two strokes shy out of the tournament winner Thomas Bass of UNC Wilmington. Brown's second-place finish is the best of any Maverick this season.

"My short game was great all three days," Brown said. "I made lots of nice putts and up-and-downs. I'm thankful that I was able to help the team and have a chance to win individually."

Cash Wilkerson and Cameron Hollek shot one stroke better than the previous two days with score of 75s.

Brad Mason, who played as an individual for the Mavericks, shot a 72 on Tuesday and completed the tournament tied for ninth along with McConnell.

Michigan State won the 12-team, 54-hole tournament after shooting a team score of 17-over-par 869.

"We have to prove we can play efficient, mistake-free golf for five guys for three rounds and we have not proven that yet," Rees said. "But we are committed to our goal."

The Mavericks head to Los Cabos, Mexico next weekend to compete in the Querencia Cabo Collegiate from Sunday to Tuesday.

"The team didn't put it all together this week, but I feel good about our chances the next two events," Brown said.