BILLINGS, Mont. – The Lewis-Clark State College men’s and women’s golf teams find themselves facing an uphill battle in the race for the Frontier Conference title as the Rocky Mountain men’s and women’s teams claimed their third straight tournament title of the season on Monday. 

Playing on its home course, the Rocky Mountain men shot a final round of 279 to win its own invitational by 29 strokes over LCSC, which finished second at 864. Montana Tech was third one shot behind LCSC. 

On the women’s side, Rocky Mountain shot a 298 on the final 18 holes Monday for a 912. LCSC was second at 962. 

The first 36 holes of the tournament were played on Sunday in wet conditions. 

“I thought we played decent, but Rocky Mountain just played better,” LCSC coach Paul Thompson said. “It was their home course and they played well.” 

LCSC’s Joey Lovell tied for second overall after firing a 68 on Monday for a 206 total, two shots behind RMC’s Bjorn Ottsson. LCSC’s Jeff Ray had a 218 total. 

On the women’s side, LCSC’s Juanita Villa had a 77 for a 229 total, but RMC’s Rachel Warren shot a final round of 69 to finish at 215. 

The conference champion is determined by combining the team scores from five conference tournaments throughout the year. The first three tournaments were held in Montana this fall, while spring tournaments will be held in Lewiston and Salt Lake City. As it stands, the Rocky Mountain men have a 54-shot lead over the Warriors, while the RMC women are 127 strokes ahead of the Warriors. Both LCSC teams are second overall. 

MEN

Team scores – Rocky Mountain 279-835. 2, Lewis-Clark State 288-864. 3, Montana Tech 288-865. 4, Carroll 887. 5, Westminster 888.

Individual medalist – Bjorn Ottsson, RMC, 67-204.

LCSC scores – Joey Lovell 68-206, Jeff Ray 70-218, Chris Kneen 78-223, Nik Arrenbrecht 76-224, Chris Jarred 74-226.

Other LCSC scores – Scott Mooney 76-227, Pat Casabonne 75-229, James Rooney 78-230.

WOMEN

Team scores – 1, Rocky Mountain 298-912. 2, Lewis-Clark State 328-962.

Individual medalist – Rachel Warren, RMC, 69-215.

LCSC scores – Juanita Villa 77-229, Cortney Shrout 78-237, Samara Kleuver 88-250, Alana Norris 85-252, Sue James 92-257.

Other LCSC scores – Nikki Fisher 88-255, Jordan Knapp 82-263.