NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (March 9, 2020) – Junior Devin Johnson and senior Justin LaFrance each fired the top individual rounds of their respective collegiate careers as the Loyola University Chicago men's golf team began play at the Bash at the Beach in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. today.
 
Bolstered by Johnson and LaFrance's strong showings, Loyola is tied for seventh in the team race with a 36-hole score of 578 (286-292).  UNC-Wilmington (279-280=559) resides atop the team leaderboard, while Jacksonville State's Jesus Montenegro carded a seven-under-par 137 (66-71) to take the lead in the race for individual medalist honors at the par-72, 6,817-yard course at The Surf Golf and Beach Club.
 
Johnson finds himself tied for fourth, just two shots off the pace being set by Montenegro, after shooting a five-under-par 139 (65-74) that was highlighted by a career-best seven-under-par 65 during first-round play.  The Geneva, Ill. native's first-round effort is tied for the third lowest 18-hole round in program history.
 
LaFrance turned in a sparkling showing of his own during the morning, firing a career-low five-under-par 67.  Out of Milford, Mich., LaFrance, who has a team-best 11 birdies to his name entering Tuesday's final round, is tied for 15^th with a two-under-par 142 (67-75).
 
Sophomore Nate Vance turned in Loyola's low round of the afternoon, recording a one-under-par 71 that moved the Marshalltown, Iowa product into a tie for 36^th with a one-over-par 145 (74-71).  Freshman Timmy Crawford is tied for 76^th after he shaved eight strokes off his morning total during the second round, turning in an even-par 72 to bring his total to 152 (80-72).  Fellow freshman Zach Walsh sits as part of a tie for 95^th after he rounded out the Rambler starting five with a 164 (83-81).
 
Two members of Loyola's roster are competing as individuals at the event.  Redshirt junior Nick Welden is tied for 81^st at 157 (79-78), while junior Tyler Anderson posted a 183 (82-81) that has him 94^th.
 
The final round of the Bash at the Beach will begin with tee times from 7:30 a.m. (CT) on Tuesday morning.