JORDAN, Minn. – Despite improving its final round score by 11 strokes, the No. 25-ranked Gustavus men’s golf team finished in second place at the MIAC Championships, played at Ridges at Sand Creek. The Gusties held the lead after the first round Sunday with a 301 and shot an identical 301 in Monday morning’s second round, but St. Thomas was able to jump into the lead with a 289 in the second. Gustavus then dropped its third round to 290, but again the Tommies posted a 284 to finish the 54-hole tournament at 878 (+14). The Gusties finished at 892 (+28).
“I’m so proud of the battle we gave this weekend,” Head Coach Scott Moe said. “We played okay this morning, even though we left some shots out there coming down the last few holes. I knew we were down eight after St. Thomas put up some great numbers, but I felt that if we posted even par we would have a chance.”
Jacob Pedersen (So., Minnetonka) and Max Ullan (Jr., Blaine) earned All-Championship Team honors with second and fifth place finishes, respectively. Pedersen made a strong push at the end, birdying four of his last eight holes to card a 74-75-69-218 (+2). Ullan also went out strong, tallying five birdies in the final round to finish 73-78-70-221.
Ben Hauge (Sr., Ramsey) capped his final conference meet with a 14th place finish, staying consistent throughout with a 77-75-76-228. Carter Czichotzki (Jr., Moorhead) completed the Gusties scorecard, tying for 15th at 77-77-75-229. Khrystjan Petersen (Fy., Faribault) tied for 25th at 83-74-76-233.
“We played a great final round, shot two-over and lost six shots,” Moe said. “Hats off to St. Thomas. They were under par for 36 holes. I told our guys we left it all out there and played as hard as we could. I’m so proud of them and I would go to battle with our guys any day of the week. We have proven we are one of the better teams in the country. Congrats to Max and Jacob for playing under par this afternoon and earning All-Tournament team. We had a great fall season and never finished worse than second place.”
Gustavus now takes a break for the winter and will resume play in the spring.