Kent State University
MAC Championships
Gilkison Wins MAC Championship as Flashes Secure Sixth Straight Title
5/1/2022 7:01:00 PM | Men's Golf
Naperville, ILL... After trailing by as many as 17 strokes on Saturday, the Kent State men's golf team came roaring back with a strong finish to round two, and kept that momentum to surge ahead in the final holes on Sunday to secure a 28th Mid-American Conference title.
The Flashes trailed Toledo with less than six holes left to play, but Kent State had saved their best for last and by the time the 18th came around KSU held a three stroke lead.
Despite having strokes to work with, Josh Gilkison wasted no time sinking his first putt from the edge of the green to deliver the Flashes their sixth straight conference title, sending himself to a playoff with Toledo's Jamie Tofte Nielsen and Miami's Jack Ebner for individual glory.
On the second playoff hole, Gilkison set himself up in prime position and sunk the most important putt of his collegiate career to join 26 of his fellow Flashes as individual Mid-American Conference Champions.
Gilkison, who carded a 217 on the weekend, wasn't alone in the top-five as junior Chris Vandette would record a 70 on Sunday to finish this year's MAC Championship in fourth.
Cade Breitenstine played an instrumental role in the comeback as well, and with a 71 in the final round, found himself in a tie for twelfth when all was said and done.
This was a true team victory for the Flashes, who showcased their depth as Jordan Gilkison, Luca Civello and Bryce Reed worked by committee to help the flashes secure yet another top finish and continue their run of dominance over the MAC.
For their efforts in Naperville, Josh Gilkison and Chris Vandette were named to the All-Tournament team. The Flashes would also sweep the two biggest individual awards of the year as Vandette was named MAC Golfer of the Year and Jordan Gilkison was named MAC Freshman of the Year.
The Flashes will await the NCAA selection show on May 4th to see which regional they will be competing in on May 15th.
Final Team Standings
1. Kent State +17, 881
2. Toledo +21, 885
T3 Bowling Green +32, 896
T3. Northern Illinois +32, 896
T5. Eastern Michigan +34, 898
T5. Miami +34, 898
7. Ball State +50, 914
8. Ohio +55, 919
Individual Results
1. Josh Gilkison +1, 217 (72-72-73)
4. Chris Vandette +4, 220 (71-79-70)
T12. Cade Breitenstine +9, 225 (79-75-71)
S. Luca Civello (76-85-x)
S. Jordan Gilkison (76-x-71)
S. Bryce Reed (x-75-76)
Players Mentioned
