Men's Golf | 2/13/2018 3:11:00 PM

Alcorn Wins River City Challenge, Rhodes Earns First-Place Individually

VICKSBURG, Miss. – Still undefeated on the season, the Alcorn State University men's golf program won its home meet, the River City Challenge on Monday and Tuesday, and sophomore Spencer Rhodes was the individual champion at Clear Creek Golf Course.
 
Rhodes, from Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada, carded the two of the three lowest scores of the tournament. He kicked it off with a 71 on Monday which was the second-best round of his career, and followed it up with a 73 on Tuesday for a 144 total.
 
"It was great for the team to get a win to start the spring. We weren't at our best, but it still feels good to come out on top," Rhodes said. "I made some good shots over the last couple days, but there's still a lot of room for improvement."
 
Rhodes was followed by teammate Luther Thompson who was runner-up. Thompson, a senior from Jackson, Mississippi, scored a 147 after a big day of 71 on Tuesday. He made his first appearance for Alcorn in 2017-18 and competed as an individual.


Spencer Rhodes 

Senior Daniel Racioppa, the defending SWAC champion, tallied a 155 which tied freshman Franco Di Benedetto. Sophomore Jorge Garzon was one stroke behind at 156.
 
As a team, the Braves registered a 607 which was 19 strokes ahead of Alabama A&M which took second with a 626. Arkansas-Pine Bluff ended third with a 688.
 
"We played really well considering the cold conditions and the muddy terrain. Some of our guys really stepped up and played well, and others I know will play better. The key for us to be consistent and continue improving on our short games," said Alcorn head coach Kent Smith.
 
Alcorn won its home meet for the second year in a row after a first-place finish at Patrick Farms Golf Club in Pearl, Mississippi last season.
 
The weekend marked the first of four meets for the Braves this spring in four different states. Alcorn is also scheduled to compete at Alabama State, Prairie View A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The 2018 SWAC Championships is set for April 16-18 in Alexandria, Louisiana.
 
River City Challenge
1. Alcorn, 303-304--607
 
1. Spencer Rhodes, 71-73--144
t6. Daniel Racioppa, 76-79--155
t6. Franco Di Benedetto, 77-78--155
t8. Jon Allen, 79-77--156
10. Jorge Garzon, 81-76--157
 
2. Alabama A&M, 304-312--626
 
3. Paul San, 74-74--148
t4. Ranvonta Young, 73-78--151
t4. Erik Aviles, 74-77--151
12. Blake Hampton, 83-83--166
13. Nylan Washington, 85-84--169
 
3. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 349-339--688
 
t8. Derek Loew, 82-74--156
11. Alberto Uriegas, 83-81--164
14. John Strong, 85-88--173
16. Phillip Martin, 99-96--195
17. Pierce Hall, 111-108--219
 
Individuals
2. Luther Thompson (Alcorn), 76-71--147
15. Faber Davila (Alcorn), 95-83--178
 
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