Whispering Pines, N.C. - The N.C. Wesleyan golf team opened its spring season over the weekend with a runner-up finish at the Sandhills Invitational, a two-day event held at the par-72 Whispering Pines Country Club.

The 9-team, 46-man field battled windy playing conditions on Saturday, with NCWC freshman Dustin Wood carding a 2-over 74 to tie for the lead. As a team, Wesleyan turned in an opening round total of 312, which was ten strokes off the pace set by Spartanburg Methodist.

Sunday's final round was highlighted by a pair of eagles recorded by freshmen Mariano Silvestri and John Thornton. Junior David White and sophomore Grady Anderson each turned in rounds of 75, while Silvestri and Thornton carded a 76 and 78, respectively. The Bishops combined for a solid 304 team score, with Spartanburg Methodist again turning in a 302 to take top team honors.

Overall, a trio of Bishops tied for 5th place as Silvestri, White, and Wood all finished with a two-day total of 154 (+10). Anderson was just two strokes off their pace in 10th-place, while Thornton's 163 (+19) was good enough for 18th.

Medalist honors went to Spartanburg's Jake Corn, who carded a pair of 74 rounds.

Next up for the Bishops is the Barton College Intercollegiate slated for March 13th and 14th in nearby Wilson.