CHINO HILLS, Calif. — The No. 22 La Verne men's golf team finished third in the 2017 SCIAC Championships, hosted by Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, and placed second overall in the final conference standings.

La Verne shot 889 (295-299-295) as team and finished 18 strokes behind Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (299-291-281=871), who erased an eight-stroke overall deficit. La Verne finished with 2,073 strokes over seven SCIAC rounds and CMS finished with 2,063.

The Leopards led by four shots heading into the day but the Stags played their best golf of the season to claim the championship. All four scorers for the Stags shot under-par today.

The Leopards were led by Alec Spencer, who bounced back from a 4-over 76 in the second round to shoot an even 72 today. Spencer battled for the low medalist honors until the final hole but settled for a fourth place tie with a total score of 218 (70-76-72).

Austin Matzaganian shot a 1-over 73, his best round of the tournament, and finished with a total score of 224 (75-76-73). He finished tied for 13th.

Conner Davis finished 15th overal with a total score of 225. He cardeda 4-over 76 today.

Jason Brown wrapped up his freshman campaign with a second solid round in a row. After leading the Leopards with a 1-over 73 yesterday, he came in with a 2-over 74 today. He finished tied for 16th with a toal score of 226.

Hisham Hussein and Aaron DiGiamarino both carded a 4-over 76 today. Hussen finished 24th with a 228 (75-77-76) and DiGiamarino was right behind in the 25th with a 230 (75-79-76).

Spencer and Matzaganian graduate but the other four players in the lineup will return next year. The Leopards also return three other underclassmen who were in scoring lineups this year.