HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. - Freshman Sam McWilliams earned his first career top-10 finish at this week's Orlando Invitational, rocketing up the leaderboard with a final round 68 on Tuesday (Mar. 1). McWilliams closed the tournament at 1-under 215 (74-73-68) with his final round matching the best on the course on Tuesday. Collectively, the Jaguars finished ninth among the 14-team field at 906 (302-301-303) on El Campeon at Mission Inn Resort, host site of the 2022 Horizon League Golf Championships. 

McWilliams posted five birdies and made eagle on the par-5, No. 1 for the second straight day. 

"Over the winter I worked a lot on my whole game as a whole, but what I focused on the most was the mental side of the game," McWilliams said. "I'm just trying to be able to control my thoughts to think more positively and have more confidence in myself. I'm focusing more on the good things that I do, rather than dwelling on the bad things that happen."

McWilliams was one of three players among the 83-player field to make two eagles during the tournament and finished tied for sixth overall with 10 birdies. 

Sophomore Taylor Gardner finished tied for 17th after a final round 76 put him at 222 (75-71-76) for the week.

"It was a strong performance for both Sam and Taylor," head coach Jamie Broce said. "Sam is so talented. He is just beginning to see how good he can be. It will be so fun to watch his growth. 

"Taylor didn't have his best stuff today, but got a lot out of his game to have a solid finish. He played great for 27 holes yesterday. Mentally, I think we are in a different spot. The whole team showed good signs of growth. We will improve again for the next events."

Classmate Brock Aten ended the event at 233 (75-79-79) and redshirt freshman Morgan Tournemire finished at 237 (78-78-81). Senior Matthew Baxter rounded out the Jaguars' lineup at 240 (80-80-80) while sophomore Kevin Tillery played as an individual and finished at 238 (79-79-80). 

Wright State cruised to the team title at 859, winning by 21 shots over second-place Stetson. 

IUPUI will return to action on Mar. 21-22 when the Jaguars compete in the ECU Intercollegiate.