The Baker University men’s golf team finished its season Tuesday with a fifth place finish at the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship tournament in Ozark, Mo., at the Millwood Golf Course.

The Wildcats were tied for first with Evangel University after the first round of play, but dropped to fourth after the second round. BU ended the tournament fifth while Evangel, the host school, won the HAAC title.

“Everybody played hard and tried hard, but it just wasn’t our year,” head coach Karen Exon said. “The deal is we’re a really young team this year.”

Sophomore Andy Kelley led BU by placing fourth overall and earned all-HAAC honors for his performance.

Exon said the course was significantly different than any other BU played at this year.

“I think the course affected everyone playing, except Evangel, who had the home course advantage,” Exon said. “Even Avila (University), the team that led the conference in scoring all year struggled and ended up with third.”

While Exon said the Wildcats didn’t quite finish the season the way they would have liked to, she is optimistic about the future.

“We’re leaving with a clear idea of what everybody needs to work on individually over the summer,” Exon said. “Overall, I’m really pleased with the way this team has progressed this year.”