April 15, 2012
Robert Kepler Final Results 
COLUMBUS, Ohio (SMU) - In one of his final tournaments as a Mustang, Max Buckley came away with the first individual title of his career. With a birdie on the 16th hole, the senior moved into sole possession of first place at 7-over par (73-74-73=220), and wrapped up the win with pars on the final two holes.
"I'm so proud of Max for winning," said SMU head coach Josh Gregory. "This is a huge step in his career. To win this tournament on such a demanding course should validate how great of a player he really is. There is no one that deserves this victory more than him."
After carding a 299 today, one shot better than the previous two rounds, SMU came up one stroke out of first place as No. 20 Kent State claimed the team title at 46-over par after a final round 295. It was the Mustangs second runner-up finish of the season.
"We had a great chance to win right up until the final putt," Gregory said. "This was a big week for us in that we contended on an extremely difficult course in very rainy conditions yesterday and windy conditions today. That will serve us well going forward.
"It's extremely disappointing to lose by one as we felt like this was our tournament to win. It's just more motivation heading into the conference championships."
Along with Buckley's first-place result, three other Ponies ended the weekend in the top 25. Harry Higgs finished tied for ninth at 13-over (75-74-77=226). Matt Schovee was two shots back of the sophomore, tying for 19th at 15-over after his third-straight round of 76. Marc Sambol was one back of Schovee, tying for 25th at 16-over (76-76-77=229).
Despite a tough second round, Sam Fidone ended the tournament on a high note as the freshman came up big for the Mustangs in the final round with a 73, tying Buckley for the team's low round.
"We're now looking forward to conference next week," Gregory said. "Conference USA is probably the most underrated conference in golf, with seven teams ranked in the top 60. It will be a great test for us heading into regionals."
The Conference USA Championships will be held in Texarkana, Ark., on April 22-24 at the Texarkana Country Club.
