NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (May 17, 2023) – Junior Gus Vickers fired a 2-over 74 to lead the Stevens Institute of Technology golf team Wednesday in the second round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. 

As a team, Stevens matched its opening round score with a 302 Wednesday to post a two-day total of 604 and finished in 25th place out of the 43 competing teams. The Ducks' two-round total marked the program's best-ever score at the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, although they hovered above the cut line, the Ducks finished 10 strokes behind Washington & Lee and Transylvania, who entered a playoff for the final spot in the championship rounds. The Ducks competed on Keene Run, a par-72 course that covers 6,701 yards. 

I'm so proud of our student-athletes for how they competed over the past few days," head coach Charles Papendick said. "So proud of our players for being so focused in difficult conditions and adjusting to changing weather conditions."

Methodist University and Piedmont University each totaled 573 across the opening rounds to tie for first place. Carnegie Mellon, Christopher Newport and St. John's (Minn.) are tied four shots back. St. John's held the lead after the opening round. Individually, Henry Scavone (Carnegie Mellon), Alex Price (Christopher Newport), Sam Berger (St. John's) and Bobby Beaubien (Illinois Wesleyan) are all tied atop the leaderboard with a score of 4-under 140. Three players are one shot off the pace. 

Vickers was the Ducks' top finisher, tying for 51st out of 221 individuals. The Naples, Florida native carded four birdies and an eagle Wednesday.  

"It's been a pleasure having Eegan and Miles leading us this past year and want to thank them for everything they've done to help us realize our goals and potential," Papendick said. "It's because of their selfless contributions that we've been able to reach our goals of winning our conference and competing at nationals."

"Gus played outstanding for two days and will be our leader going forward," Papendick continued. "I can't give enough credit to Eduardo and Austin for their performance this spring; we wouldn't be where we are without their contributions."

First-year Austin Liao was the Ducks' second finisher, carding four birdies to finish 6-over. He was followed by sophomore Eduardo Terlaje, who trimmed five strokes off his opening round score to finish five strokes behind Liao. Senior Miles Philion matched Terlaje by also trimming five strokes off his first day total. Senior Eegan McDermott seven pars Wednesday to round out the Ducks' entrants.

As a team, Stevens was at its best on par-fives, finishing 2-under through 36 holes. The Ducks totaled 20 birdies and 96 pars. Individually, Liao led the Ducks with seven birdies, while Philion and Terlaje led the team with 21 pars. Vickers was one of 12 entrants with an eagle.

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