The men’s golf team closed out league play this weekend at the Spokane Invitational, held May 10–11, finishing ninth in a competitive invitational. Despite the final standings, the tournament served as a meaningful benchmark for a young team gaining experience one round at a time.

The event featured nine teams from across the region, with Columbia Basin College capturing first place with a team score of +5. Bellevue and host school, Spokane, followed closely – both tying for second at +7. With individual rounds in the low 70s and some standout second-day performances, the tournament made one thing clear: the level of play across the NWAC is as strong as it’s ever been.

Highline finished with a team total of +43, placing just behind South Puget Sound and Blue Mountain. The Thunderbirds’ challenging weekend was marked by steady effort and learning.

Sophomore Prisco Vacca led the way for Highline, posting rounds of 78 and 83 for a two-day total of 161 (+17). His first round kept him in the middle of the pack, ultimately landing him in a tie for 29th out of 54 competitors. Vacca’s performance stood out for his calm under pressure and ability to grind through difficult stretches.

Close behind was Brighton Brown, who shot 82 on day one and followed with an 86 to finish at +24. Although not among the top scorers, Brown’s consistency provided a solid second score for the team.

Freshman Kaden Clark showed flashes of promise with a strong opening round of 81, but struggled on day two with a 92, finishing at +29. His tournament was a reflection of what many first-year players experience: moments of confidence and moments of struggle, both of which are valuable stepping stones in collegiate golf.

The rest of the Highline lineup included Miguel Chupa (90-90, +36), Logan Rutledge (90-95, +41), and Keaine Silimon (97-95, +48). While their scores didn’t put them near the top, their participation helped round out the team effort and demonstrated their persistence in a field full of more seasoned players.

Across the board, the Spokane Invitational highlighted the programs and players that have made the biggest impact this season. Bellevue’s Matthew Davidson was the individual medalist, finishing with a total of 145 (+1), while Spokane’s Curtis Seidel and Bellevue’s Saum Sabetian also finished near the top. Columbia Basin’s Apollos Morris, who tied for third, helped lift his team to the top of the standings, continuing a strong season that has seen them consistently finish among the best.

As the regular season concludes, attention now turns to the NWAC Championships, scheduled for May 18–19 at Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima. For Highline, this will be an opportunity to test themselves one last time against the best in the conference  – and for players like Vacca, Brown, and Clark, a chance to turn hard-fought lessons into a strong finish.