Golf team competes in CAA tournament

Brant Wilkerson-New

Head Coach Jason Widener arrived at UNCW last year, from a successful Duke program, and has brought the winning tradition along with him to Wilmington. In just his second season as coach, the Seahawk men’s golf team captured its second CAA crown.

After a somewhat disappointing fall campaign, the Seahawk golf team is finally getting into the swing of things for spring. Led by senior Brian Joyce’s 210, which was good enough for the overall championship, UNCW maintained a 10 margin for the final two rounds of the tournament. Joyce, a Wilson, NC native, carded a final round 68 to take the individual crown by a resounding seven strokes over VCU’s Manuel Relancio.

“Brian played beautifully the entire tournament, and his demeanor on the course was great. He did a superb job for us,” Widener said.

Freshman standout Will Shambley tied for eighth in his first appearance at the CAA tournament.

“Will Shambley is an outstanding player, he’s rounding in to form nicely, and he’ll be ready to play in the regional,” Widener said.

After an opening round 78, Shambley rebounded nicely. His final rounds of 73 and 72, showed the form that Widener spoke of, and hopes will continue into the regional.

As for that regional, UNCW will be going on to play in the NCAA regional at either Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, or Stanford.

The UNCW women’s golf team was competing in their first CAA tournament, after winning the previous three conference titles as an associate member of the Big South Conference. Their 930 was only enough for a tie for second, with Xavier.

UNCW struggled the first day, firing a 319. The only golfer to break the 80 mark that day was senior Becky Berzonski, who shot an even par 72.

For the first time in three years, the Seahawks will have to wait and see if they’re selected to compete in the NCAA regional. With three-second place finishes, and one victory, UNCW has a strong case for an at-large bid.