NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (May 17, 2021) – Raising the curtain on just its second NCAA appearance in program history, the Loyola University Chicago men's golf team was forced to deal with consistent rain and wind as it opened play at the NCAA Noblesville Regional in Noblesville, Ind. today.
 
The Ramblers sit 13^th in the team standings after posting a first-round tally of 309 at The Sagamore Club (par 72; 7,173 yards) just north of Indianapolis.  No. 5 Texas (285) holds a three-shot edge over the quartet of No. 8 North Carolina, No. 18 Tennessee, and No. 19 North Florida, who all finished the opening day of competition at 282.  The Longhorns' Travis Vick turned in a four-under-par 68 to move to the top of the individual leaderboard. 
 
"Today was pretty much what we expected," Loyola head men's golf coach Erik Hoops commented.  "The weather report said it was going to be a little nasty through the first 12 holes, but the guys played fine.  They had it going there for a little bit.  It's hard to make birdies in those type of conditions.  We had a couple loose ones down the stretch that don't quite have us in the position we want to be.  I'm still incredibly proud of how they acted.  We're excited to get back out there tomorrow."
 
Seniors Devin Johnson and Ryan Magee spearheaded the attack for the Maroon & Gold during first-round play. 
 
Johnson sunk a team-high three birdie putts en route to carding a three-over-par 75 that was highlighted by an even-par front nine.  The Geneva, Ill. native finds himself tied for 41^st.  Out of Hawthorn Woods, Ill., Magee is just a shot back of Johnson, sitting as part of a tie for 49^th following a four-over-par 76.  He finished the day with a team-best 13 pars.
 
The sophomore pairing of Timmy Crawford and Zach Walsh both recorded 79s that have the duo tied for 66^th.  Senior Justin LaFrance is tied for 71^st after a round of 80.
 
Loyola begins second-round play at the NCAA Noblesville Regional tomorrow at 8:50 a.m. (CT).