AUBURN, Ala. – The Little Rock men's golf team concluded its 2024-25 season at the NCAA Auburn Regional, finishing 11th in a competitive field. The tournament also marked the final collegiate appearance for seniors Matteo Cristoni and Archie Smith, who have been instrumental in the program's recent successes.
In the final round, the Trojans posted a team score of 301 (+17), bringing their total to 33-over par for the tournament. Cristoni led the team with a 1-over 73, securing a tie for 20th place individually. Freshman Freddie Turnell followed with a 3-over 75, while Rhett South and Archie Smith each carded 79s. Alexander Rowland rounded out the scoring with an 81.
FINAL RESULTS | PHOTOS
"A tough way to end the season and not what anyone wanted," said head coach Austin Eoff. "Too many mistakes on and around the greens and those things don't advance you to the National Championship."
Cristoni concludes his collegiate career as Little Rock's all-time leader in stroke average at 71.89, surpassing the previous record by nearly half a shot. A four-time OVC Golfer of the Week, he earned First Team All-OVC honors this season and finished second at the Fighting Irish Classic with rounds of 67-68-71 (-4), posting the ninth-lowest 54-hole score in program history.
Smith, the 2024 OVC Individual Champion, leaves as the program's all-time leader in rounds played with 132. He earned First Team All-OVC honors and was named OVC Golfer of the Week after a T-14 finish at The Clerico, where he shot rounds of 74-68-75 (+7) in challenging conditions.
"Our seniors were great leaders and leave here two of the best to do it in a Trojan uniform," Eoff said. "Matteo leaves Little Rock as the all-time stroke average leader at 71.89, the lowest by 0.43 shots. Archie leaves Little Rock having played the most rounds as a Trojan at 132 rounds and the OVC Conference Champion in 2024. Both of these guys have had an impact on the course and off of it by really accepting the way I coach and embracing that style and culture this year."
The Trojans set a program record this season with a team stroke average of 286.61. They also secured a dominant 14-shot victory at their home event, the Everett Buick GMC Classic, and swept all awards at the OVC Championship.
"As a team we ended the year the #1 team in the state of Arkansas, had the lowest team stroke average in program history, and swept every award at the OVC Championship," Eoff added. "To everyone who supported us this year, this season would never have happened without you—and from everyone on the team, thank you so much for your support."
With the departure of Cristoni and Smith, Little Rock looks to build upon this season's achievements and continue its upward trajectory in collegiate golf.
For the latest information on Little Rock Men's Golf, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockMensGolf on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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