Hedman, SMCC Men's Golf Win Paradise Valley Invitational

PHOENIX --- 

Sophomore Nick Hedman captured individual medalist honors with a three-under, 141 and the South Mountain Community College men's golf team won the team title by six strokes at the Paradise Valley Invitational April 19-20 at Gainey Ranch Golf Course in Scottsdale, Ariz. The Cougars head to the NJCAA Region I Tournament on May 1-2, having won all six of their spring 2021 tournaments with an SMCC student-athlete claiming individual medalist honors at each event. 

As a team, SMCC finished at two-under, 574 and captured the event title by six strokes over Glendale CC. The Cougars opened with a three-under 285 and closed out the event with a one-over 289.

After firing a one-under 71 in the first round, Hedman carded a three-under 69 to win his second tournament of the 2021 spring. He recorded six birdies in his second round, and he edged Glendale CC's Justin Simpson by one stroke. Earlier this spring, Hedman carded a four-under, 140 over the two rounds of the Pima CC Invitational.

Jando Hernandez tied for fifth at the event, finishing at one-over 145. He led the squad with a three-under 69 in the first round and had a four-over 76 in the second round.

Cecil Belisle led all players with a three-under 69 in the second round to tie for seventh at two-over, 146. He had four birdies over his final 18 holes, including three straight from 14-16.

Ryan Macpherson also tied for seventh, posting rounds of two-under 70 and four-over 76. He recorded two birdies in the second round.

Leon Acikalin tied for 14th at six-over 150. He recorded identical rounds of three-over 75 and had two birdies and an eagle in his second round.

Damon Vilkauskas tied for 17th at seven-over 151, posting rounds of 76 and 75. He carded three birdies in his second round.

The NJCAA Region I Tournament is on May 1-2 at Gold Canyon Golf Course in Gold Canyon, Ariz. The NJCAA Division II National Championships run from May 18-21 at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Ind.