PALM COAST, Fla. --- The NCCAA National Championship came down to a dog fight with Wayland Baptist, who won the Tournament and left the Pilots runner-up by 22 strokes. Earl Williams was in a day three battle with Wayland's Benjamin Lubker, who took the Medalist Honor.

On a rainy and gusty day, one saw the Pilots up by one stroke over Wayland with Cedarville and Columbia International in the fight, all within seven strokes of each other. Earl Williams shot a 73 with Jonah Kumfer and Jimmy Bunner at 74 to be in the top of the field.

Wayland shot up to first with an 11-stroke lead over the Pilots after shooting a six-under-par (282) against the Pilots 301 moving day score but BU held onto second and held a one-stroke lead over Columbia International. Williams shot a 73-73 through the first two days to lead the Pilots with Kumfer not far behind at 74-76.

On Championship Wednesday, Bethel shot their lowest score of the tournament at 296, but Wayland shot a 292 to take the Championship and Bethel was left in second place. Kumfer and Williams were named NCCAA All-Americans, finishing eighth and tied for fifth respectively.



NEXT TIME OUT

The Pilots await the release of the Spring schedule for their push for the Crossroads League and NAIA Championship.

For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics check out bupilots.com or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube by searching @bupilots or the hashtag #AnchorUp for updates on all 31 Bethel Pilots sports.