NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (March 16, 2021) – Spurred on by its top 18-hole team round of the past two days, the Loyola University Chicago men's golf team climbed up to sixth place as it closed play at the Bash at the Beach in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. today.
 
The Ramblers turned in a final-round 289, the third-lowest team round of final-round play, to close their stay at the Sun Golf and Beach Club (par 72; 6,800 yards) with a 54-hole total of 894 (302-303-289), besting Missouri Valley Conference rival Valparaiso (306-294-295=895) by one stroke for sixth place.  Jacksonville State (283-281-279=843) laid claim to the team title, while the Gamecocks' Quim Vidal Mora (73-68-67) topped UConn's Jared Nelson (68-70-70) for individual medalist honors on a final-round tiebreaker after both finished with eight-under-par 208s.
 
"It felt really good to end our trip on a high note," Loyola head men's golf coach Erik Hoops commented.  "We had a couple sloppy mistakes yesterday that left us a little out of contention, but it was good to beat most of the northern schools when we are able to play down south. When you play all together in the same group like we did this week, it can really drive home the team aspect of our sport.  The birdies are for everyone, not just the one player.  I thought we all fought hard for shots this week.  That's going to pay off in the long run throughout the spring."
 
Senior Devin Johnson paced the attack for the Maroon & Gold on the final day of play in The Palmetto State.  The Geneva, Ill. native recorded seven birdies and went three-under-par on his back nine en route to a four-under-par 68.  Johnson finished play at the event tied for 28^th at 224 (78-78-68).  Sophomore Zach Walsh also closed his day under-par, firing a career-low tying one-under 71 to finish in 33^rd with a 225 (76-78-71).
 
Sophomore Timmy Crawford was the top Rambler on the individual leaderboard, tying for 18^th place after carding a two-over-par 74 to bring his total to 219 (70-75-74).  After posting a career-low tying even-par 72 during second-round play, senior Ryan Magee handed in a final-round 76 to place 37^th with a 228 (80-72-76).  Fellow senior Justin LaFrance shot a 79 as he earned a share of 47^th at 237 (78-80-79).
 
Loyola returns to action in just six days' time at the Twin Oaks Intercollegiate in Springfield, Mo., March 22-23.