The Valparaiso University men’s golf team sent seven golfers to the Rocket Individual Classic, a 36-hole event contested at Belmont C.C. in Perrysburg, Ohio on Sunday.

“We had a good finish to our fall season and terrific weather for today's 36-hole event,” said Crusader head coach David Gring. “Belmont Country Club was in excellent shape and the course is a challenging track.  We have been blessed with playing a number of high quality golf courses this fall, and this course was no exception.”

Sophomore Michael Doherty (Lisle, Ill./Naperville North) paced the Crusaders at Toledo’s second annual tournament, matching the event’s low round as he shot an even-par round of 72 in the second round. Doherty’s two-round total of 153 was good for a tie for fifth place.

“Michael played well for us today and I was happy to see him finish this part of our season with a solid round and tournament score,” said Gring. “He has worked hard on his game this fall, and his 72 was a steady and confidence-boosting round for him. He had a number of birdies throughout the second round, evident from some sharp ball-striking and sound putting.”

Senior Michael Holevas (Elgin, Ill./St. Edward) finished in 11th position with a 36-hole score of 157, while fellow senior Matt Ward (Plainfield, Ill./South) tied for 13th with a score of 159. Freshman Mitchell Wittmann (Kaukauna, Wis./Kaukauna) was one shot back of Ward, finishing at 160, good for 15th place. Redshirt junior Ryan Heck (Chippewa Falls, Wis./Chippewa Falls) and redshirt sophomore Adam Baracani (Normal, Ill./University) finished in a tie for 19th place as both shot 165, while redshirt sophomore Michael Kinsella (Northbrook, Ill./Glenbrook North) finished in 22nd place at 179.

“We had a number of really strong individual performances during our fall season and we will work during the off-season to convert those in to more cohesive team scores,” said Gring. “I was real pleased with our efforts in practice this fall and we will keep working hard during the off-season, namely in our indoor facility. We will look forward to our spring season with great anticipation, starting in March.”