Thomas University senior James Fletcher tees off during the Coastal Classic. 

Thomas University’s men’s golf team finished second with a combined scored of 584 (293 on day 1 and 291 on day 2) at the 2014 Coastal Georgia Fall Classic held over two days in Sea Island.

The Night Hawks finished 11 strokes behind defending NAIA National Champion Coastal Georgia. The 14-team field played the 7,106-yard retreat course.

The day 1 leader, TU’s Junior Stone Cowie, finished tied for third with total of 141 (68-73). Senior James Fletcher carded a steady pair of 71s (142) to finish fourth. Both Cowie and Fletcher were named to the All-Tournament team. Night Hawks newcomer, Junior Chris Cotton, picked up one stroke on day 2, to finish tied for ninth with a 147 (74-73). Freshman Eli Stripling righted the ship on day 2 with a 71, finishing tied for 17 with a 155 (81-74), followed by Alex Kitsos in 18th with a 156 (80-76).

Junior Von Stripling played the tournament as in individual, totaling 155 (80-75).

“Overall I was pleased with the way the guys played,” said head coach Peter Ireland. “ We hit a few shots that cost a couple strokes, but nothing that we can’t work on and fix before our next tournament. Opening the season with a second place finish is never displeasing; it leaves us with room to improve for the rounds to come.”

The Night Hawks will hit the links again in two weeks on Sept. 29 when they host the Thomas University Invitational at Kinderlou Golf Club in Valdosta.