GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Julian Valenciana captured the individual title, leading Oklahoma City University to a tie for first in the Grand Canyon Invitational on Tuesday at Golf Club of Estrella.

Valenciana, a senior from Monterrey, Mexico, picked up his third victory in 12 career starts at OCU. Valenciana fired a 67-72-69–208 to be five shots better than Western Washington's Nick Varelia.

The Stars shot a 288-289-286–863 after trailing by three strokes entering the final round. OCU is ranked third in NAIA men's golf according to Golf World. Western Washington took home the team trophy after a scorecard playoff that pitted each team's fifth man's scores against each other.

Valenciana knocked in 13 birdies as OCU sank a tournament-high 51 birdies.

Sondre Ronold, a freshman from Stavanger, Norway, added a 78-72-69–219 for OCU, burying 10 birdies over the 54 holes.

Michael Palmer also sank 10 birdies on the way to a 70-78-74–222 for the Stars. Ben Bench contributed a 77-72-74–223, and Clark Collier recorded a 74-73-79–226.

The Stars compete next in the NAIA Preview Invitational on Oct. 15-16 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., site of the NAIA Championships.
Results