The Longhorns are moving on to the NCAA Championships match play quarterfinals for the third time since this format began in 2009 after a third-place finish this past weekend.

After being on the fence after the first two rounds, the Longhorns needed to improve their play over the weekend. They had to finish in the top eight to advance and ended up tying for third place with Georgia — each at 6-over par. Illinois and Vanderbilt finished ahead of the Longhorns at an overall 3-over par and 5-over par, respectively.  

Freshman Doug Ghim, who tied for eighth place after shooting a 71 in the fourth round, led the team. Sophomore Ben Hossler also finished the final round with a 71 and finished 10th overall for the tournament. Hossler has been a steady golfer all season, not finishing outside the top 20 all season.

Texas also found boosts from freshman Scottie Scheffler, who tied for 33rd and sophomore Gavin Hall shot an impressive fourth round 70.

The lone senior Kramer Hickok ended the tournament with a 75. Hickok was a part of the 2012 championship team and has provided this year’s squad with leadership throughout the season.

“These guys are all such good players; I just tell them to go out there and take it one swing at a time,” Hickok said. “Don’t make it any bigger than it is.”

Head coach John Fields said he was proud of the way Texas played and feels his team is ready for upcoming challenges.

“I think our guys did a great job. They were patient, they used their talent, and it finds us in the elite eight.” Fields said. “I think we have been building for this all year long. We have a lot of guys that have tremendous experience.”

The Longhorns will face USC at 6:50 a.m. Tuesday. USC finished in fifth place at 9-over par.