While the Washington State men’s golf team faced a substantial challenge at the Ka’anapali Classic Collegiate Invitational at the Royal Ka’anapali Course this weekend – finishing 15^th at 40-over par (892) in an 18-team field – Sophomore Derek Bayley asserted himself as Head Coach Garrett Clegg’s most reliable golfer with his 21st place finish (215, +2).

Bayley moved up 22 spots on the individual leader board Sunday during the final round, and shot a 4-under (67), finishing 10 strokes behind tournament-winner Zach Healy of Georgia (205, -8). Bayley’s performance in the third round was highlighted by an eagle on the 14th hole.

“I’m proud of all that Derek is doing for our program,” Clegg said. “He is really the leader of this team.”

The Cougars shot 7-over par (892) in the third round Sunday to place 65 strokes behind team champion No.13 Oklahoma (837, -15). No. 12 Georgia took second place as a team (849, -3) while No. 35 North Carolina State captured third (862, +10).

“This fall has hopefully shown our players that we have a lot to learn, but also that we are ready for the challenge,” Clegg said.

Sophomore Zach Anderson shot a third-round 4-over (75) to tie for 49th (222, +9). Senior Evan Omelia had his best round of the tournament as he shot a third-round 3-over (74), which included an eagle on the sixth hole. He would finish tied for 63rd (226, +13). Freshmen Aaron Whalen and Grant Cole tied for 86th (234, +21) and 100th (243, +30), respectively.

WSU will next hit the course in 2016 at the Arizona Intercollegiate, hosted by the University of Arizona. The tournament will run from Jan. 29-30.

Reporting by Braden Johnson