UHV's Nathan Biais is dunked with water after winning the individual RRAC Tournament title at Victoria Country Club on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Sam Fowler/UHV Athletics)

Posted: May 01, 2024

No. 17 Jags complete four-peat behind Biais’ record performance

UHV freshman Nathan Biais was in unfamiliar territory when he woke up on Wednesday.

The Chassors, France, native held the 36-hole lead of the Red River Athletic Conference tournament and wasn't sure how he wanted to go about the final round at Victoria Country Club.

He went on to shoot a two-under 70 to claim an eight-stroke win and propel the No. 17-ranked Jaguars (286-284-288—858) to their fourth consecutive conference championship and fourth straight berth to the NAIA National Championships at Dalton Golf and Country Club in Dalton Georgia May 21-24.

His score of 10-under for the tournament tied the all-time record low set by Jaxon Langford in 2021 and set a new record low score in a conference tournament for the Jaguars. He became the fourth consecutive individual winner for UHV at the conference tournament, as well.

"I'm really happy because this is the first time I've shot that low," Bias said. "I'm happy it happened this year, my first year in the US, and I'm happy to win with this team because I have so many good friends on this team."

Biais (69-67-70—206) was one of four Jaguars in the Top 5 and each Enzo Dakiche, Hayden Hardwick, Paul Chopin and Joshua Van Der Wath finished inside the Top 10 to help UHV to a 31-stroke win over second-place Our Lady of the Lake.

Across the three rounds at VCC, Biais had just five bogeys while leading the field with 15 birdies.

"I knew it was coming all year," said head coach Garrett Adair. "And Hayden's had some strong tournaments lately and finished strong today. Then obviously, Nathan just played out of his mind. That's where he is. I think it's a big testament to the schedule we played and preparing ourselves against better schools and seeing we do belong. I want the guys to know there's no reason we can't go to nationals and pull this thing off."

Dakiche helped UHV by continuing solid play on a windy day at VCC. The sophomore from Paris, France, shot an even-par 72 to finish solo fourth.

He and Hardwick (74-74-73—221, T-5) each eagled their final hole on the Par 5 first to help the Jaguars close out the tournament.

Chopin joined Hardwick at T-5 after a final round 76.

Van Der Wath closed at T-8 after a final round 73 in which he carded four birdies.

"We always look forward to playing here, but the standards are high now," Adair said. "Four in a row is just a testament to the work these guys put in, from top to bottom. We've talked about it all year, one through five can win, and today we had our four win it. So, I couldn't be prouder of these guys and coach Dedmen for their work so far this year."