WARWICK, R.I. – Keene State College freshman and Stoddard, N.H. native
Taylor Miller recorded the best round of his young career so far, shooting a one-over 73 to place second individually at the Rhode Island College Fall Invitational on Tuesday at the Valley Country Club.
Miller was tied with RIC senior Jasper Bruins Slot entering the final two holes, but Bruins Slot birdied No. 18 while Miller recorded a par. Even still, Miller shot an even par 36 on the back nine. He had an impressive round of 13 pars and three birdies, shooting par or better on 16 of 18 holes, including a three on the par four first hole and a four on the 593-yard par five second hole. Miller remained two under until a six on the par three eighth hole put him one over, which is what he finished the front nine – tied with Bruins Slot, who had two birdies and three bogeys. Miller retook the lead after a birdie on No. 13 and maintained that advantage until the 16th hole when he parred while Bruins Slot birdied the par five, setting the stage for the tight finish.
It was a close tournament all the way through, with the top three teams separated by just nine strokes total. The host Anchormen recorded a 298 as a team, with Emmanuel College in second with a 306. KSC's 307 as a team marked a new best for their young program, followed by Nichols College's 317 in fourth and RIC's "B" team finishing with a 325. Emmanuel nudged in front of the Owls with productive 16th and 18th holes, combining for five birdies and an eagle from their top three scorers.
In addition to Miller, KSC got a 75 from
Sean Bonneau that included three birdies (No. 5, No. 16, No. 18). Freshman
Matthew Kowalik shot a 78, posting a birdie on both No. 8 and No. 9, while
Aidan Davis rounded out the Owl scorers with an 81.
KSC had eight birdies as a team, five behind RIC and and three behind Emmanuel (though the Saints also had an eagle).
"It was a great round for the men's team," said Owl head coach Jeff Timmer. "I am excited for the next month as the team grows and gets better."
Keene State hits the links twice next week, visiting Westfield State University's Brett Williamson Invitational on Tuesday (September 23) before hosting their own invitational at the Keene Country Club on Thursday, September 25.
