MADISON, Ill. (September 23, 2019) – Sophomore Nate Vance finds himself just one shot off the individual lead following the first day of competition for the Loyola University Chicago men's golf team at the Derek Dolenc Invitational in Madison, Ill.
 
Led by Vance's effort, the Ramblers currently reside as part of a tie for fifth, alongside Missouri Valley Conference rivals Missouri State (301-281=582) and Drake (295-287=582), at 582 (291-291).  UT Martin (281-282=563) sits atop the team standings, while the Skyhawks' Tate Chumley (69-68=137) shares the lead in the race for medalist honors with Southern Utah's Jake Vincent (72-65=137).
 
Vance was fantastic today at the par-71, 7,092-yard Gateway National Golf Links.  The Marshalltown, Iowa product carded an 18-hole career-best three-under-par 68 during first-round play before closing out his afternoon with a one-under-par 70 to finish the opening day of play with a four-under-par 138 (68-70), putting himself in a tie for third.
 
The junior pairing of Tyler Anderson and Devin Johnson is separated by just two strokes.  Anderson wrapped up his day with an even-par 71 to move into a tie for 22^nd at 144 (73-71), while Johnson's first-round one-over-par 72 helped him to a 146 (72-74) that has the Geneva, Ill. native tied for 28^th. 
 
Rounding out the Rambler lineup today were a pair of freshmen.  Zach Walsh is part of a tie for 72^nd at 154 (78-76), while Timmy Crawford is tied for 94^th after carding back-to-back 80s to bring his total to 160 (80-80).
 
The final round of the Derek Dolenc Invitational will begin with an 8:15 a.m. shotgun start.