ONE STROKE SHORT: SOUTHEAST FALLS JUST SHY OF CLAIMING FIRST OVC TITLE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's golf team narrowly missed out on winning its first-ever Ohio Valley Conference championship Wednesday.

The Indians fell one stroke short as Morehead State rallied with a big final round to capture the OVC title at the Springhouse Golf Club.

Morehead State finished with a three-day total of 875 after Wednesday's 287. Southeast was second at 876 after Wednesday's 290.

Then came Middle Tennessee (877), Eastern Kentucky (879), Tennessee-Martin (880), Tennessee State (897), Austin Peay (902), Tennessee Tech (904), Murray State (909) and Eastern Illinois (950).

"We played pretty well," said Southeast coach Carroll Williams. "It was a tight field and we fell a bit short but I'm proud of the guys."

Southeast freshman Ryan Smith finished tied for second individually at 214, which is 2-under par. Smith, who had been tied for the lead after two rounds, shot a 4-over 76 Wednesday. Middle Tennessee's Brett Alexander defended his title with a 208.

Another Southeast golfer, Jason Owen, tied for fifth at 217. Other scores for the Indians were Derek Rahlmann (227), Brian Johnson (228) and Jake Saladin (231).

Smith and Owen made the all-tournament team by finishing in the top five and they were also named all-conference as voted on by the league's coaches. Southeast was the only OVC school with two all-conference performers.

"That's quite an honor," said Williams of Smith and Owen making the all-OVC team.