Longwood Men’s Golf Clinches Victory at Golden Horseshoe Intercollegiate
WILLIAMSBURG, VA – The Longwood men’s golf team kicked off the final round of the Golden Horseshoe Intercollegiate with a competitive edge and didn’t look back, ultimately securing the championship title on Tuesday. The Lancers displayed remarkable resilience as they fended off the spirited challenges from host team William & Mary, Drexel, and Rhode Island.
A Championship Performance: Key Highlights
Justin LaRue, a name that has become synonymous with excellence this season, triumphed by earning co-medalist honors. Alongside LaRue, teammates Nick Fleming, David LaFreniere, and Hunter Swidzinski delivered stellar performances, all landing within the coveted top 20 rankings. This victory marks Longwood’s third consecutive tournament win, a historic achievement for the program.
Challenging Conditions and Unyielding Spirit
The final day presented tough conditions, with shifting winds amplifying the demanding layout of the course. Notably, no teams managed to finish under par, highlighting the challenge that faced all competitors. Nonetheless, the Lancers held their nerve and finished with an impressive seven-stroke lead, showcasing their grit and determination.
LaRue was a force to be reckoned with, completing the tournament with stellar rounds of 68-68-69, achieving a remarkable score of -8 over three rounds. His consistency was unmatched, as he recorded three birdies and 14 pars, becoming the only player in the field to post three straight rounds under par.
Top Individual Performers
Nick Fleming showcased his skills with a solid finish of 71-71-73, placing T11 with a total score of +2. His performance included a pair of birdies that helped keep the Lancers’ momentum intact.
David LaFreniere and Hunter Swidzinski both tied for 20th, contributing to the team’s overall success. LaFreniere recorded his personal best for the season with scores of 70-75-73, wrapping up the tournament at +5, while Swidzinski followed closely with 71-73-74.
- Meanwhile, Scott Jordan and Alexander Hoerner faced tougher rounds, finishing T47 and T68, respectively. Their contributions were pivotal in navigating the challenges of the course.
Voices of Victory: What the Coach Said
Reflecting on the tournament, Longwood Head Coach Kevin Fillman expressed both pride and relief, stating, "Today was definitely a grind. We struggled a good bit, given the changing winds and the tough setup. Nothing was easy, but our guys managed to stay focused and find a way."
He added, "We’ve put ourselves in tough situations recently, which surely helped us today. I’m immensely happy for these players; they truly deserve this success."
Full Results Overview
- Longwood: 280-287-289—856 (+4)
- Justin LaRue: 68-68-69—205 (-8) (T1)
- Nick Fleming: 71-71-73—215 (+2) (T11)
- David LaFreniere: 70-75-73—218 (+5) (T20)
- Hunter Swidzinski: 71-73-74—218 (+5) (T20)
- Scott Jordan: 71-75-80—226 (+13) (T47)
- Alexander Hoerner: 71-82-78—231 (+18) (T68)
Looking Ahead: Next Challenge Awaits
With their eyes set on continued success, the Lancers are gearing up for their next tournament: Dragon Match Play, hosted by Drexel at the stunning Green Valley Country Club in Lafayette, Pennsylvania, slated for April 7-8.
Join us in cheering for these talented athletes as they seek to build on their remarkable momentum!
#GoWood #HorsePower
