DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In what could be a preview of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, defending MEAC champion Augusta held off the Wildcats by 12 strokes to win the Gary Freeman Invitational Friday at LPGA International.

Paced by medalist McCullough Pickens (216) and runner-up Gustav Andersson (219), Augusta outlasted host BCU 878-890. BCU led by seven after the first 18 holes of the 54-hole event.

"We're definitely right there," said BCU Head Coach Danny Forshey, noting that this was the first time a BCU had led an Augusta team after any round of play. "We had a very strong start and now we know what we're going to have to do finish and beat a quality national program."

BCU's Christian Hovstadius tied Andersson for runner-up honors at 219. His third-round 71 was the low Wildcat score over the final 18.

Jake Lane and Marcus Sundloff tied for sixth at 224, while Dante Davis (227) tied for 11^th and Lucas Jonsson tied for 18^th at 229.

BCU heads to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for the Bash At The Beach Monday and Tuesday.