SILVIS, Ill. – Oklahoma City University came from eight shots behind to win the NAIA Preview Invitational on Friday at TPC Deere Run.

The Stars, ranked second in NAIA men's golf by Golf World, finished five strokes ahead of first-day leader Texas Wesleyan with a 300-294–594.

Michael Palmer paced OCU with a runner-up finish, ending one stroke behind Indiana Wesleyan's Austin Conroy after shooting 75-67–142.

OCU overcame a field that included seventh-ranked Texas Wesleyan, ninth-ranked Grand View (Iowa), 10th-ranked Lee (Tenn.), No. 13 Southern Nazarene, No. 16 Indiana Wesleyan, No. 19 Lindenwood (Mo.), No. 21 Davenport (Iowa) and No. 22 St. Ambrose (Iowa) on the par-71, 6,625-yard course and site of the 2010 and 2011 NAIA Championships.

“We hit the ball well, but our scores didn't reflect our play,” OCU coach Kyle Blaser said. “We knew that if we stayed patient and positive, we could come out on top. We've got a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel like this could be a very special group.”

Sondre Ronold put together a 74-77–151 for OCU, and Ben Bench fired a 76-76–152. Julian Valenciana contributed a 79-74–153, and Clark Collier carded 75-80–155.

Among Stars playing as individuals, Jacob Sahmaunt turned in an 80-72–152, and Ryan Clatworthy shot 74-80–154.

OCU finished with three victories in four starts during the fall season. The Stars will continue the season in the spring highlighted by the return trip to TPC Deere Run for the NAIA Championships on May 18-21.
Results