The race for first place in the 2014 Alcorn State Invitational golf tournament at Duncan Park was a tight one Monday, with three teams vying for the top spot in the men’s division.

After a solid first round Sunday, the Alcorn State Braves found themselves tied with Prairie View A&M, but it was the Panthers who were able to walk away with the title.

“The majority of the players brought their scores back in the second round and that is what counts,” said Alcorn head coach Lynette Smith. “That is what we are striving for and working on. I really stress bringing that final day score down.”

The Braves also placed on the women’s side, taking second, but it was Alabama State, the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champions who ran away from the competition, with one of the lowest scores ever turned in at Duncan Park.

“This is a special group. They are classy ladies,” said Alabama State head coach Gary Grandison. “They decided that they were going to focus on what is important and that is playing comfortable and in control. I was really proud of their efforts.”

Smith was also happy with the performance her women’s team turned in.

“They were awesome,” she said. “I’m proud of them. We haven’t practiced as much as I would like, but I’m definitely proud of them.”

Alabama State finished with a team score of 592, Alcorn State finished at 779 and rounding out the top three was Prairie View A&M at 787.

Mia Campbell of Alabama State shot the lowest combined score of 147 (75,72).

On the men’s side, Prairie View finished at 622 for first place, Alabama A&M finished at 629 for second and Alcorn rounded out the top three with a score of 631.

Will Smartt had the lowest combined score among the men at 147 (77, 70).

Even though they didn’t take home the title, Smith is seeing the program heading in the right direction.

“Right now, we are trying to put the Alcorn State golf team on the map with more recruiting and better overall and longer practices,” she said. “That makes a difference. Also, we are getting our scores down and competing in better events and tournaments.”