MADISON, Ill. (September 24, 2019) – The Loyola University Chicago men's golf team posted its top round of the past two days to earn a fifth-place finish at the Derek Dolenc Invitational in Madison, Ill. today.
 
The Ramblers used a final-round 288 to finish with a 54-hole tally of 870 (291-291-288), shaving 35 strokes off their total from last season's edition of the event.  UT Martin (281-282-289=852) held on to its lead from Monday to take home the team title, while Drake's Tim Lim (72-71-66) claimed individual medalist honors in a three-way playoff after finishing tied alongside Belmont's Evan Davis (71-70-68) and Southern Utah's Jake Vincent (72-65-72) at 209.
 
"Another solid week for us," Loyola head men's golf coach Erik Hoops commented.  "We'll always take that all-around contribution from the guys.  Again, we just need to find a way to make up a few more shots in spots, but it's good to be in the hunt and have a chance.  Having three guys in the top 15 again bodes very well for us.  We just need to find that fourth."
 
Sophomore Nate Vance finished as the top Rambler on the individual leaderboard at the Gateway National Golf Links (par 71, 7,092 yards).  Out of Marshalltown, Iowa, Vance carded a final-round three-over-par 74 to close the two-day event with a one-under-par 212 (68-70-74), tying for fifth overall.
 
"Nate played great all week tee-to-green," Hoops added.  "Winning at this level is never easy and just a few shots down the stretch cost him a chance to bring home some hardware.  I'm very proud of the improvements he's made over the last year."
 
Junior Devin Johnson fired the low round of the final day for the Maroon & Gold.  The Geneva, Ill. native turned in a two-under-par 69 to finish as part of a tie for 13^th at 215 (72-74-69).  Right alongside Johnson was fellow junior Tyler Anderson.  Anderson posted his second even-par 71 in as many rounds to also wrap up the event with a 215 (73-71-71).
 
The freshman pairing of Zach Walsh and Timmy Crawford each turned in their top showings of the past two days.  Walsh moved into a tie for 58^th at 228 (78-76-74) following a three-over-par 74, while Crawford placed 91^st after a 78 brought his total to 238 (80-80-78).
 
Loyola is back in action at the start of next week, September 30 – October 1, when it visits Des Moines, Iowa for the Zach Johnson Invitational.