By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Redshirt sophomore Ethan Ray paced the University of Tennessee at Martin golf team for the third straight round to open the 2022-23 season as the Skyhawks completed their participation in the Wildcat Invitational.
Ray tied teammates Jonathan Xoinis and Jacob Uehlein for the best Round 3 score on the squad as that trio penciled in a 76 on their scorecards. Bryson Morrell wasn’t too far behind with a 77 to complete UT Martin’s team scoring (305, +17) today.
Overall, the Skyhawks finished their season-opening tournament in 10th place with an aggregate score of 900 (+36). Event host Kansas State (837, -27) was the only team to shoot under par for the tournament while Kansas State’s Cooper Schultz won individual medalist honors with a 205 (-11).
“We are glad to have the first tournament under our belt,” UT Martin head coach Austin Swafford said. “The Colbert Hills golf course was a great test and showed us where we have to improve going forward. I am extremely proud of Ethan for leading the way this week – him finishing inside the top-20 is well deserved. We are excited to get home and host the Grover Page Classic this coming week.”
Hailing from Collierville, Tenn., Ray concluded his first collegiate start with an 18th place finish in the individual standings. He shot a 219 (+3) and topped the Skyhawks in birdies (10), par-3 scoring (3.08, +1) and par-4 scoring (4.20, +6).
Xoinis was UT Martin’s next best finisher as the redshirt sophomore posted a 226 (+10) while leading the squad in par-5 scoring (4.67, -4). Uehlein wrapped up his tournament with a 228 (+12) while Rocco Zakutney carded an 80 today to finish his collegiate debut with a 230 (+14), tying Ray for the team lead in par-3 scoring (3.08, +1). Morrell generated the most pars (34) of any Skyhawk in the tournament on the way to a 234 (+18).
UT Martin is back in action next week when it hosts the Grover Page Classic on Sept. 19-20. The 54-hole event takes place at Jackson Country Club in Jackson, Tenn.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information