CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico — Despite strong individual performances, Alabama failed to keep pace with the rest of the field at the Cabo Collegiate Invitational, finishing in 14th place (-4).

The Tide just couldn’t chain four scores together, as they were forced to take multiple over par rounds on a week where seven teams broke 20-under-par.

“I’m disappointed in our finish. We know we’re a better team than that. Unfortunately, we could not line up a third or fourth scorer consistently throughout. If you’re going to compete against some of the top teams in the nation, then you’re going to need to have that,” said Head Coach Jay Seawell after the final round.

Canon Claycomb continued his strong form, finishing the tournament T12 (-7). Starting with his win last week, the junior has now fired off six consecutive rounds in the 60s.

Junior Thomas Ponder also had a good performance for the Tide, notching the 11th top-20 finish of his career in Mexico with rounds of 67-68-72.

Coach Seawell had nothing but praise for his experienced duo.

“I’m proud of the way Canon and TP played these last two tournaments. They have played some really good golf against some really good players.”

The field featured 21 golfers inside the top hundred in the nation.

Graduate transfer Charlie Nikitas showed out in the final round, shooting a 68 that included a stretch of four under in three holes.

Sophomore JP Cave, who has been extremely reliable for the Tide, had an unusually poor week as he finished T72 (+12). He failed to post a single round that counted for the team, despite having done so in 32 of his 35 career starts.

In his first start this season, Simms Abney posted rounds of 76-73-71 to finish T62 (+7).

Despite a tough week for the team, Coach Seawell can see the potential of his team.

”We’re disappointed. We’re going to regroup when we get home and work on the things we believe we can correct. If we play well and do the right thing, then we can be a good team.”

No. 21 Vanderbilt would win the tournament, finishing at a combined 32-under-par over three rounds.

Alabama will return to action at the Linger Longer Invitational beginning on March 20 in Greensboro, Georgia.

PHOTO CREDIT to Jeff Hanson.

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