By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications
MACOMB, IL- The Western Illinois University men's golf team competed this week at the Jackrabbit Invitational, hosted by South Dakota State out in Boulder Creek, Nevada. The three-round event featured teams from across the region and was played over 54 holes.
Day 1 (18 holes):
The Leathernecks opened the tournament with a +1 team score, highlighted by an outstanding performance from Mateo Rascon, who fired a 65 (-7) to lead the field and give WIU the lowest individual round of the day. Nathan Tillman followed with a 71 (-1) to give the Leathernecks two under-par rounds to start the tournament. Julian Ortiz added a 74 (+2), while Owen Howe and Easton Korell each carded 79 (+7), with Bayden Hubacher recording 81 (+33).
Day 2 (18 holes):
Western Illinois recorded a +10 team score in the second round. Owen Howe paced the Leathernecks with an even-par 72, while Easton Korell followed with a 74 (+2). Julian Ortiz and Mateo Rascon each finished with 76 (+4), Bayden Hubacher finished with 81 (+9), and Nathan Tillman rounded out the scoring with an 82 (+10).
Day 3 (18 holes):
The Leathernecks closed the tournament with their best round of the event, shooting a -3 team score in the final round. Julian Ortiz led the way with a 68 (-4), the lowest round of the day for WIU. Easton Korell followed with a strong 70 (-2), while Mateo Rascon added a 73 (+1). Owen Howe posted a 74 (+2), Nathan Tillman carded an 80 (+8), and Bayden Hubacher posted an 87 (+15) to close out the tournament.
Mateo Rascon -2 (T8)
Julian Ortiz +2 (T24)
Easton Korell +7 (T40)
Owen Howe +9 (T50)
Nathan Tillman +17 (61)
Bayden Hubacher +33 (T69)
The Leathernecks finished seventh overall with a three-round total of +8, posting team rounds of +1, +10, and -3 across the 54-hole event.
Mateo Rascon made a mark with the Leathernecks as one of the recorded one of the top 3 best rounds in program history. The last round for WIU was also one of the best in years for the team.
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