April 13, 2008

URBANA, Ill. - Playing in a tournament shortened to 36 holes due to inclement weather, Loyola University Chicago wound up tied for seventh place with a team score of 628 (317-311) at the Fighting Illini Spring Invitational, which concluded today. The Ramblers matched Western Illinois' 628 score and the host University of Illinois earned the title with a 609. Loyola finished two strokes ahead of last year's Horizon League champion, Detroit.

The teams wrapped up play today by playing nine holes and Loyola junior Armando Favela finished round two with a four-over-par 76 to notch a 154 (78-76), which was good for an 11th-place tie. Sophomore Thomas Greene recorded a 158 (83-75), including a three-over 75 in round two, the lowest mark by a Rambler this weekend, to tie for 24th. Sean Bidzinski registered a 160 (83-77) to tie for 36th, and Robert Caplin (78-83) and Dylan Gergen (78-83) each tallied a 161 to tie for 40th place.

Matt Hoffman of Illinois earned medalist honors with a 148 (75-73).

Loyola is back in action when it hosts the Caputo Invitational, April 14-15 at Pine Meadow Golf Course in Mundelein, Ill.

Final Team Results
1. Illinois - 309-300=609
2. Southern Illinois - 313-303=616
3. Eastern Illinois - 313-307=620
4. Northern Iowa - 316-304=620
5. DePaul - 304-320=624
6. Illinois State - 316-310=626
7. Loyola - 317-311=628
8. Western Illinois - 325-303=628
9. Detroit - 321-309=630
10. IUPUI - 331-312=643
11. Bradley - 335-318=653