Seahawks capture CAA title with incredible comeback

RALEIGH, NC (UNCW SPORTS) — The Seahawks overcame a 10-stroke deficit on the final day to win their first Colonial Athletic Association championship since 2013, edging four-time defending champion College of Charleston by two strokes at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course.

Keying the final round charge were seniors Pat Cover and Thomas Eldridge and sophomore Blake McShea, who finished second. Cover finished the round two-under while Eldridge was one-under. McShea, meanwhile, held low-round honors at three-under.

“I had faith in our guys and we saved our best for last,” said UNCW Interim Head Coach Daniel Bowden. “None of us were ready for this season to end, especially our seniors Patrick (Cover) and Thomas (Eldridge), who came up big when we needed them most. This was for them and for everyone involved with the incredible Seahawk Golf Family.”

James Madison, which entered the final round with a one-stroke lead on CofC for first, finished fourth as CofC was second and Drexel rallied for a third-place finish.

Charleston’s Michael Sass won medalist honors, besting McShea by three strokes.

Aiding in the UNCW win was it leading the tournament in par four scoring (4.13) and par five scoring (4.99). McShea led all players in par four scoring at 3.79.