AUSTIN -- The Simon Fraser University Clan men's golf team overcame a 17-stroke deficit on Wednesday at the NCAA Super Regional to earn a spot in the NCAA Championships.

SFU entered the day 17 strokes behind the sixth place team Chico State, who entered the final round with a team score of 597 compared to SFU's 614.

"The last rounds scoring was a reflection of our players ability," said Head Coach John Buchanan. "The challenge for NCAA Championship will now be to stay consistent and play to that ability."

The Clan overcame the deficit by shooting 290 as a team on Wednesday, the second best score of any team in round three, to finish the tournament at 904 as a team, two strokes ahead of seventh place Colorado Springs to earn the sixth and final spot at the NCAA Championship.

John Mlikotic (Kelowna, BC) and Kevin Vigna (Coquitlam, BC) tied for the team lead at the tournament, each shooting 221 (+5).

Mlikotic led his team on the final day of competition, shooting the best round of any golfer throughout the entire tournament, a 68 (-4).

He notched six birdies over his final 12 holes to lead the Clan in round three.

"It was good to finish strong, I went out on the first hole and double bogeyed," said Mlikotic. "I was a little discouraged but I stayed focused and took one shot at a time. I was able to stay bogey free after the first hole. I was able to make a couple birdies on seven and eight and then to cap it off with a 20 foot putt from the fringe for birdie was great. I'd say it was the best round of my life."

Vigna shot 76, 71 and 74 to earn his 221.

The freshman and recent Great Northwest Athletic Conference Champion entered the final round four strokes back of first place, and finished two over par to tie for the team lead.

"We knew it was going to be tough," said Vigna. "There were a couple sad faces after yesterday's round. We came together on the putting green this morning and came up with a game plan to take it one shot at a time. We figured with a solid round we would have a chance. We're just really happy to be going to nationals."

Senior Mike Belle (Burnaby, BC) had his best round of the tournament in round three, shooting a 73 (+2) to finish the championship at 232 (+16).

Freshman Craig Titterington (Coquitlam, BC) saved his best round of the tournament for last.

After shooting 83 and 88 in his first two rounds of post-season play, Titterington fired a 75 (+3) in the final round to aid his team's comeback.

Bret Thompson (Winnipeg, MB) shot a 78 (+6) in the final round. After scoring for the Clan with rounds of 77 (+5) in round one and 78 (+6) in round two, he was edged out by Titterington in round three.

The Clan advance to the NCAA Championships in Allendale, MI thanks to their sixth place finish. It will be the first appearance at the NCAA Championship for the program in it's second year of eligibility.

The host's from St. Edwards University won the team competition at their home course, the Grey Rock Golf Club, while Midwestern State's Derek Oland claimed medalist honours with a score of 212 (-4).

The 2014 NCAA Division II Championship will get underway on May 19 at The Meadows Golf Course in Allendale, MI.