SENATOBIA – Leading its own tournament by two strokes after an opening round 300 at Wedgewood Golfer's Club, Northwest stumbled the final 18 holes at Back Acres Country Club to finish in a tie for fifth place.

"We're still improving and we have one more match before we head to the state tournament," volunteer assistant Guy Purdy said. "We just need a couple of guys to step up and help us turn this thing around."

Behind sophomores Hayes Carr and Alan Larson, who each shot a 151 and finished in a T9th, Northwest carded a two-day total of 620 alongside Northeast Community College.

Alex Taylor, who was forced to play as an individual due to a shoulder injury, finished in a T19th with a 76-79. 

Trey Wilkinson shot an 82-76 to place T26th, Scott Hensley shot a 72-88 to place T32nd and Walker Wilkinson shot 86-89 to place 45th overall.

Gulf Coast shot a 302-305 to win the Northwest Invitational, edging Copiah-Lincoln by nine strokes. 

Northwest will return to the links April 13-14 at Briarwood Country Club in Meridian.