Beavers win first NSIC Championship since 2000

Leading wire-to-wire, the Bemidji State University men's golf team completed the title run following a final round 289 on Sunday to win the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Championships by one stroke at the Adams Pointe Golf Club. It's the first conference crown for the Beavers since 2000 and the 16th overall. With the win, Bemidji State earns the automatic bid to the NCAA Super Regionals that will take place May 11-13 at the Bridges Golf Club in Winona.

"Really proud of this team and the incredible effort. This was a long time coming. We put in time and effort and got rewarded," head coach Ekren Miller said. "Solid performance by our three freshmen to earn All-Tournament Team and overall, this was just a great team playing together. The scores throughout each round weren't high by anyone, which was key. That's what we needed and needed to go lower today. That early lead really helped us, as in the end it was a challenge to close it out. We earned that championship and it was exciting to see the end result."

Bemidji State ended up with rounds of 296-295-289, saving their best round for their last when they needed it to hold off Winona State. The Beavers collected a 16-over 880, with Winona State coming in a stroke behind at 881 to finish runner-up. Minnesota State rounded out the top-three with a 900. Winona State's Gabe Goodman won the individual title with a three-under 213 to win by six-strokes.

The Beavers had three golfers earn All-Tournament Team honors for finishing in the top-five. Freshmen Rylin Petry and Caden Lick tied for second with three-over 219s, while freshman Logan Schoepp placed fifth with a four-over 220.

Petry, Lick and Schoepp all saved their best rounds for last on Sunday. Petry fired a one-under 71 during the third round, coupled with rounds of 74 and 74 for his 219. Petry was second in the field in pars with 34, added nine birdies and led the field in par-four scoring at 4.00.

"Super excited for this win as a team! We battled hard and stayed in it for three days! We aren't done yet, onto regionals!" Petry said.

Lick steadily improved each day after opening with a 74, he carded a 73 and then finished with a 72 for his 219. Lick was second in the field in birdies with 12, added 28 pars and an eagle. He tied for second in the field in par-five scoring at 4.50.

"It feels amazing that I can contribute to this team's success. Just to see everyone happy is something special! I just want to say thank you to everyone that has supported us as well!" Lick said.

Schoepp compiled a pair of 74s over the first two rounds and then fired a 72 on Sunday for his 220. Schoepp was among the leaders in birdies with 10 and added 30 pars. He was fifth in par-five scoring at 4.67 and was solid in par-four scoring at 4.17.

"This is a good win with an even better group of guys!" Schoepp said.

Ben Corbid just missed earning all-conference honors when he came in seventh with a 222. Corbid was consistent with rounds of 74 each day. He was one of seven to sink an eagle throughout the championships, was third in birdies with 11 and added 27 pars. Corbid tied with Lick for second in par-five scoring at 4.50.

"It takes the whole team to take home this title and it was hard-earned. We put in a lot of hours to make this dream happen. I'm just proud of our guys," Corbid said.

Jack Southard nearly finished inside the top-10 as well when he posted rounds of 76-74-77 for a 227 to tie for 14th. Southard was among the leaders in pars with 33 and added six birdies. He was strong in par-three scoring at 3.25.

"This team means the world to me. We'll be brothers forever," Southard said.

Bemidji State will be making their return to the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2012 when the Beavers placed 13th during the NCAA Division II West-Central Super Regional in Arizona.