Belisle, SMCC Men's Golf Claim South Mountain Classic Titles

PHOENIX --- 

Sophomore Cecil Belisle carded a nine-under, 135 to claim individual medalist honors at the 2021 South Mountain Classic Nov. 1-2 at Aguila Golf Course. Sophomore Damon Vilkauskas finished second at eight-under-par, sophomore Carter Rowe was third at seven-under-par, freshman Zachary Erskine was fourth at five-under-par, and several other Cougars put together impressive performances while competing individually. As a team, SMCC cruised to the event title at -29, 547 for the two days. 

Belisle, who has already won one tournament this fall and captured the 2021 NJCAA Division II Individual National Championship, posted rounds of six-under 66 and three-under 69 to edge Vilkauskas by one stoke.

Vilkauskas recorded rounds of 67 and 69 to finish at eight-under, 136, while Rowe posted scores of 68 and 69 to finish at seven-under, 137. Erskine carded rounds of 72 and 67 to finish at five-under, 139. William Groom tied for 16th at four-over, 148 with rounds of 73 and 75. 

Several Cougars played as individuals and turned in some strong outings. Freshman Daniel Thompson tied for fifth at three-under, 141 after rounds of 72 and 69. Freshman Anthony Carr placed eighth at one-under, 143, with rounds of 73 and 70. Sophomore Jando Hernandez and freshman Ethan Klose tied for 11th at two-over, 146, and sophomore Sean Markham tied for 20th at five-over, 149. 

The Cougars won the team title by 33 strokes over Mesa CC. They finished at 15-under 273 in the opening round and 14-under, 274 over the final 18 holes.