Keith Mader
Sports editor

After a rough loss at the Wynlakes Wynternationals on Feb. 24, the ’Cats bounced back to a first-place finish in the Puget Sound Invitational.
Led by junior co-captain Tyler Nelson, who placed first in the tournament, the Wildcats recorded their third team victory of the year.
“Our team has won every tournament except the tournament in Alabama,” Nelson said. “So our team is very used to winning, and we expect it, as well. We challenge each other at practice and at tournaments. Any number of us can shoot a low score on any given day.”
The Wildcats shot a team total of 295 March 5 and finished with a team total of 300 March 6.
“I would like to think our team is pretty resilient in the fact that we never get into slumps as a team or individuals,” Nelson said.
Nelson, who shot a tournament-high 69 on March 5 as well as a tournament-best 73 the next day, strives to play like a champion.
“I expect to win every tournament starting when I hit my first tee shot,” he said. “I try to have a winner’s mentality with every shot I take, which I think really helps me win tournaments.”
The Puget Sound Invitational victory was not the first in Nelson’s career.
“I can’t recall how many college tournaments I have won, but this is probably number five or six for me,” Nelson said. “It was the first time I won at Fircrest, so it’s always nice to win at a course that you haven’t found success at before. When I win a tournament such as Fircrest, it comes as no surprise to me, but it is a good feeling knowing all of my hard work is paying off.”
Senior co-captain Andrew Fitch shot a second-place 73 on March 5, but he did not finish the tournament.
“Andrew was really sick all weekend, and he actually had to withdraw from the tournament after 27 holes,” Nelson said. “Andrew is a rock on our team, and I was particularly proud of him that he gutted it out and tried to play through his cold,” Nelson said. “The fact that he was in second place after the first day showed a lot of heart and determination and also shows how important he is to our team.”
Nelson says the team is encouraged after the victory and hopes to continue its success.
“This wasn’t the best win we have had, but any win acts as a building block toward our goal of winning a national championship,” Nelson said.
Freshman Alex Fitch and junior Joel Rychard tied for sixth, shooting a 75 and 79, respectively, March 6.
The Wildcats play March 14 and 15 in the Pacific Invitational in North Plains, Ore.