Sutton, MA --- Salem State senior Nick Zolotas (Peabody, MA) and sophomore Tom Grant (Mansfield, MA) both placed in the top five to help the Vikings capture their fourth consecutive and 13th MASCAC Championship this afternoon at the par-72 Blackstone National Golf Course.

The crown marks SSU's third consecutive title in the last three years. The tournament was restarted in 2010 after a 19-year hiatus. Today's team score for the Vikings of 312 (+24) is one stroke better than their previous victory last season.

Westfield State took home the runner-up trophy with a combined score of 343 (+55) and Worcester State followed with a team tally of 351 (+63). Three individuals for MCLA competed in a tournament field of 19 competitors as they did not have the required number for a team score.

Zolotas dominated the field with a round of 66 (-6) which was three strokes off the course record of 63.  He was -4 on the four par-5 holes, had only two bogeys and recorded an eagle on the par-4, 346-yard sixth hole.  Zolotas also improved on his first place finish from a year ago at the 2011 MASCAC Championship by three strokes as he shot 69 (-3).

Senior Shane Ortega (Pittsfield, MA) of MCLA placed in second with a score of 77 (+5).  Grant carded a 79 (+7) which was good for third place as Tyler Labonte (Brewster, MA) of Westfield State handed in a card of fourth place with an 80 (+8).  MCLA junior Sean Cota (Adams, MA) came in fifth place with a final score of 81 (+9). 

Worcester State junior Joe Belanger (Holden, MA) and Salem State freshman Craig Farley (Bradford, MA) both tied for sixth with scores of 83 (+12).  Senior Chris Berry (Rutland, MA) and junior Matt Sebet (Westwood, MA) – both of Salem State – took home eighth place scorecards (84; +12).

Junior Rory Wilkowich (Okotoks, Alberta) of Westfield and second-year James Letourneau (Seekonk, MA) of Worcester State rounded out the top-ten as they tied with scores of 86 (+14). 

Release By Jim Sarkisian – Sports Information Assistant