KENNESAW, Ga. (October 22, 2019) – Sophomore Nate Vance finished as part of a tie for fifth place as the Loyola University Chicago men's golf team closed its fall season today at the Pinetree Intercollegiate in Kennesaw, Ga.
 
Loyola wrapped up play with a final-round 309 to finish ninth at 899 (298-292-309).  Jacksonville State (292-295-291=878) claimed the team title, while Belmont's Evan Davis turned in a blistering 14-under-par 202 (68-66-68) to cruise to individual medalist honors.
 
"Obviously not quite the way we wanted to finish our fall season today," Loyola head men's golf coach Erik Hoops said.  "We spoiled a pretty good opportunity to make some headway in a really solid field this week.  I don't want this to overshadow the great fall we had though.  It might have been one of the best in program history in terms of scoring averages, tournament finishes, and overall ranking."
 
Vance again led Loyola's efforts today on a rain-soaked course at the Pinetree Country Club (par 72, 7,108 yards).  Out of Marshalltown, Iowa, Vance, who closes the fall with Loyola's top individual stroke average, turned in a three-over-par 75 to earn a share of fifth-place with an even-par 216 (71-70-75).
 
The junior pairing of Devin Johnson and Tyler Anderson finished as part of a tie for 28^th at 228.  Johnson (76-76-76) posted his third consecutive round of 76, while Anderson chipped in a 78.  Redshirt junior Nick Welden tied for 50^th following a final-round 80 that brought his total to 235 (81-74-80).  Senior Justin LaFrance, who finished 58^th at 149 (75-74), was forced to withdraw from the event due to a back injury.
 
Today's showing rounds out a successful fall season for the Maroon & Gold that saw it earn top-five finishes in four of its five events, a stretch that was highlighted by the Ramblers winning the team title at the Zach Johnson Invitational in September.
 
"We have many great things to build off of this offseason and we are looking forward to hosting the MVC meet at Flossmoor in April," Hoops concluded.  "We'll get back at it with some indoor practices and prepare ourselves for a great spring."
 
Loyola will open its 2020 spring slate at the Earl Yestingsmeier Match Play in Dade City, Fla., February 10-11.