The Valparaiso University men’s golf team posted a 363 on the final day of competition, tied for the second-best Round 3 score in the Wright State Invitational on Tuesday. The Crusaders finished fourth in the six-team event with a 54-hole score of 1,109. The Crusaders finished six strokes behind Northern Kentucky and seven strokes in back of the host Raiders. Valpo finished ahead of Green Bay and Loyola.

How It Happened

• Peter Webb (Madison, Wis. / James Madison Memorial) had his best round of the tournament, posting a 68 to lead the way for the Crusaders on Tuesday. He tied for third in the tournament with a three-round score of 212.
• Nick Seitz (Xenia, Ohio / Carrol) and Zach Cutler (O’Fallon, Mo. / Timberland) each stroked 72s for the Crusaders on Tuesday. Seitz finished at 220 over the two days, tied for 14^th in the tournament. Cutler’s 72 was his best round of the event, allowing him to finish 30^th at 226.
• Michael Doherty (Lisle, Ill. / Naperville North) was sandwiched between Seitz and Cutler in the overall standings, as he tied for 22^nd at 224. Doherty carded a 74 in Tuesday’s final round.
• Mitchell Wittmann (Kaukauna, Wis. / Kaukauna) notched a 77 and tied for 43^rd at 231, while Adam Baracani (Normal, Ill. / University) posted a 79 to place 50^th at 235.
• Jeremy Wu (Medford, Ore. / St. Mary’s) had his best round of the event with a 74 on Tuesday. He golfed as an individual and finished at 227, tied for 31^st.
• Michael Kinsella (Northbrook, Ill. / Glenbrook North) also golfed as an individual and finished at 244 after scoring an 84 in Round 3. He placed 58^th.

Inside the Rounds

• Wittenberg won the event going away with a 1080, 22 strokes ahead of second-place Wright State.
• For the second straight event, the Crusaders had an eagle, this time delivered by Webb on Hole 14 of Round 3.
• Seitz led the Crusaders and tied for third in the tournament with five birdies. As a team, the Crusaders had 14 birdies.
• Cutler carded 15 pars, tied for first in the tournament.
• Webb performed well on Par 4 holes, finishing three strokes under par and averaging 3.73. He led the invitational in Par 4 scoring.

Thoughts from Head Coach Dave Gring

"It was a very encouraging weekend with our tournament at Wright State on many fronts. First, our final round today was one of our best rounds and our best finish to a tournament all year.  Secondly, we have improved our team score each round in three of our five tournaments this spring and in our last two tournaments. We emphasize playing better throughout the tournament and the guys are showing that this spring. Lastly, five of our eight players had their best tournament of the spring - Seitz, Wu, Kinsella, Cutler and Doherty."

"The tournament format was unique, scoring the best five out of six players.  The format allowed us to showcase some of our depth and also have a good portion of the team competing. The weather today was challenging with temps in the mid-50s and wind gusts from 15-20 mph. The guys really played hard all day and the ball striking continued to improve as the tournament progressed."

"We played six rounds of competitive golf in the past four days and the two tournaments were a tremendous boost to our confidence. We know what areas we need to work on over the next 10 days prior to our next event.  The guys are really hungry to keep competing and finishing the season strong."

"Our two captains led the way for us in this tournament and it was really good to see nine birdies and an eagle out of the two of them today.  Both Nick and Peter continue to play with a lot of confidence and they are a terrific encouragement to the rest of the team."

Up Next

The Crusaders will hit the links again on April 14 as they partake in the Earl Yetingsmeier Memorial Invitational on Delaware C.C.