CHANDLER, Ariz. --- The South Dakota School of Mines men's golf team posted a third-round team score of 314 on Tuesday to tally a total of 923 strokes and finished 10^th during the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships at Ocotillo Golf Resort in Chandler, Arizona.

The Hardrockers registered a 310 on Sunday, followed by a 299 on Monday before posting the 314 on the final round. Colorado School of Mines edged out Dixie State University by one stroke to repeat as RMAC Champions. The Orediggers carded 826 strokes to the Trailblazers 827. Colorado Mesa was a distant third place with 846 and UCCS posted an 849 for fourth place.

Dixie State's Nicklaus Britt earned the individual RMAC title after posting a three-round score of 200. He carded two five-under 66's sandwiched by a 68 on Day 2 to earn top honors. Teammate Spencer Wallace was two strokes back in second place with a 202 while Nic Beno (203) and George Markham (205) of Colorado School of Mines finished third and fourth respectively.

Hardrocker Bryce Howard brought in the lowest 54-hole score for SD Mines with a 225 (78-74-73) while Jake Francis tied for 43^rd place with a 228 (77-68-83). Steven Bendt carded a 236 for 48^th place (78-81-77), Lane Jensen took 49^th after posting a 237 (77-76-84) with a 237 and Roger Nakagawa was 50^th with a 248 (83-84-81).

Coach Roy's comments: "I was very pleased overall with our young men this week. As a team we improved our overall score from last year by 55 strokes. That is a big number and I am proud of our progress so far. They accomplished this while not having their best stuff, which means the future is bright for this young group. One very bright spot was the consistent play of freshman Bryce Howard, who fired a final-round 73 for his best tournament round of the year and best overall finish. He was followed by Jake Francis who had his best tournament round ever in Round 2 with a 68, but struggled coming down the stretch today. Team captain Steven Bendt finished his Hardrocker career with a final round 77, his lowest of the event. Steven played his last round as a Hardrocker and will be missed in the program."

"Overall, very happy with the state of our programs. We have started a firm foundation for the future and look forward to continuing to build both programs going forward. We have some new recruits coming in for our women's program and hope to add another male as well.  I look forward to seeing their progress over the next few years."