TUCSON, Ariz. – Highlighted by freshman Aaron Whalen's 11th-place finish, the Washington State men's golf team finished fifth (+32, 884) among a talented field of 17 which featured three ranked opponents.

“The guys did a really good job competing and moving up the leaderboard,” WSU Head Coach Garrett Clegg said. “We did a better job today making birdies and saving par from tough spots.”

No. 10 Texas (-9, 843) and No. 23 Washington (-4, 848), the only teams under par, finished first and second, respectively. No. 21 California rounded out the top three with an even-par 852. WSU finished 12 strokes ahead of Utah (+44, 896) and 19 ahead of Arizona (+52, 904).

Whalen, with a score of 3-over 216, finished 14 strokes back of champion Beau Hossler of Texas (-11, 202). The freshman carded eight third-round birdies, and shot even-par in the second and third rounds.

“I'm thrilled Aaron finished 11th. That is a great way to get his spring season started,” Clegg said.

Junior Nick Mandell and freshman AJ Armstrong tied for 28th (+9, 222), two strokes in front of sophomore teammate Derek Bayley, who tied for 38th at 11-over par (224). Sophomore Zach Anderson finished in 76th (+26, 239).

The Cougars return to the green Feb. 17 at Lihue, Hawaii, for the John A. Burns Intercollegiate.