By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications
MACOMB, IL- The Western Illinois University men's golf team competed this week at the Keene Trace Collegiate, hosted by Morehead State out in Nicholasville, Kentucky. The two-round event featured teams from across the region and was played 36 holes.
Day 1 (18 holes):
Western Illinois opened play with a solid start, led by Mateo Rascon's 77 (+5). Rascon paced the Leathernecks with a steady round that featured consistent play. Julian Ortiz followed with a 79, highlighted by multiple birdies and steady ball striking throughout the day. Owen Howe added an 81, grinding through a challenging layout despite a few tough holes. Easton Korell and Bayden Hubacher each turned in rounds of 81, showing strength with key pars and timely scoring, while Nathan Tillman rounded out the lineup with an 78. As a team, Western Illinois battled through and positioned themselves to make a move heading into the final round.
Day 2 (18 holes):
The Leathernecks responded with a stronger showing in round two, highlighted by Mateo Rascon's even-par 72. Rascon was sharp from start to finish, carding 14 pars and keeping clean to lead the team. Julian Ortiz followed with a 74 (+2), using a strong back nine to climb the leaderboard. Owen Howe turned in a 76 and delivered one of the biggest highlights of the day with an eagle on the par-4 16th. Easton Korell added a 78, while Bayden Hubacher posted a 79 to round out the team scoring. Nathan Tillman also improved from round one, firing an 80. Overall, Western Illinois showed clear progress in the second round, cutting down mistakes and finding more scoring opportunities to close out the tournament on a positive note.
Mateo Rascon +5 (T10)
Julian Ortiz +9 (T24)
Owen Howe +13 (T29)
Nathan Tillman +14 (T33)
Bayden Hubacher +16 (T37)
Easton Korell +16 (T37)
The Leathernecks finished fifth overall with a two-round total of +39, posting team rounds of +27, and +12 across the 36-hole event.
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