By: Josh Bozzick ~Staff Writer~

The Xavier men’s and women’s golf teams began their seasons on Sept. 11 as they participated in the Golfweek Program Challenge in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The women’s team finished in 12th place out of 16 teams after a final round combined score of 316 and an 80 over par for the competition. Shooting a final round combined score of 298 were the men, who finished last in the 16- team field overall, shooting a 37 above par for the competition.

The final standings of both the men’s and women’s scores combined left the Musketeers in last place.

The Campbell University Camels won the challenge, thanks to both their men’s and women’s teams finishing in second place. Boston College finished first in the women’s field, and Jacksonville University won on the men’s side.

Freshmen Mikayla Fitzpatrick starred for the women, finishing in a tie for 13th overall thanks to a final round score of 74 (+3). Playing in her first tournament for the Musketeers, the freshman led the team in birdies with seven. Senior Grace Howie finished tied for 48th, sophomore Mikayla Smith tied for 52nd, senior Rachel Johnson finished 56th and junior Lindsey Murray placed 72nd.

The men were also led by a freshman. Hunter Roberts shot a last round score of exactly par at 72 and took the 63rd spot overall. He led the team in birdies with 12. Sophomore Eduardo Rivera Nicholls finished tied for 64th, senior Matt Wetterich tied for 66th, senior Fox Morrissey came in 71st and senior Samuel Buse finished one spot behind in 72nd.

Next up for the men’s team is the Bearcat Invitational hosted by the University of Cincinnati, which will be from Sept. 26-27. For the women’s team, it is a trip to Michigan State University for the Mary Fossum Invitational, which will be played from Sept. 24-25.