PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Master’s College golf team finished fourth out of a field of 13 teams after carding a final score of 868 (287-293-288) at the ACU Spring Invitational on the greens of the Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix, Arizona.

Florida-based Johnson & Wales University was named the champion with a collective score of 853 (291-284-278), while tournament-host Arizona Christian University placed second at 858 (290-286-282), followed by the University of British Columbia at 867 (286-296-285).

Despite the Firestorm’s second-place finish, No. 20 TMC placed higher than three other GSAC competitors: William Jessup University (sixth place), Biola University (10th-place), and Hope International (11th-place).

TMC boasted four top-25 finishers with Joey Downey placing fifth overall after shooting 212 (69-74-69). Blake McPherson finished tied for 16th at 219 (73-73-73), while Josh Delo was close behind by finishing tied for 19th after carding a final score of 220 (70-74-76). Samuel Eisenhuth finished tied for 24th at 221 (75-74-72), while Nicholas Latta finished 29th overall by shooting 222 (76-72-74).

“We are obviously disappointed that we didn’t get the win this time,” commented head coach Jason Semelsberger. “However, there are some significant positives to build on going forward, and I believe that we are really close to start winning tournaments. One positive aspect that I am proud of is that the guys are beginning to trust the process necessary to compete at a high level.”

Up next for the Mustangs is their annual home event, the TMC Spring Invitational. The two-day event starts February 29 at the Robinson Ranch Golf Course in Santa Clarita.