The Illinois Springfield men's golf team battled through challenging conditions at the Flyers Spring Invitational, a tournament originally scheduled for 36 holes over two days. Monday's 27 holes were completed by most teams, but heavy rain on Tuesday morning forced a weather-shortened finish. UIS, along with other teams that had completed 27 holes on Monday, did not play Tuesday, while a few teams finished their remaining holes to complete the round.

Through 27 holes, UIS' top four golfers delivered strong performances that put the team in contention. Jake Baldin posted a 75 in round one and a 34 over the front nine of round two (+2), Sacha Lamraski shot 76 and 34 (+4), Daniel Edwards carded 77 and 34 (+5), and Vilgot Arleback finished with 78 and 34 (+8). Their combined effort put Illinois Springfield in a tie for first place at +15 with Rockhurst.

The tournament tiebreaker came down to each team's No. 5 golfer. Julien Babineau stepped up for UIS, posting 78 in round one and 36 over the front nine of round two (+6), which gave UIS the edge over Rockhurst's fifth golfer and secured the team's first-place finish. UIS has now won two tournaments in a row. Jake Baldin was the top UIS golfer, taking second place behind a golfer from Rockhurst. 

The result is significant as UIS defeated several teams from its conference and region, including Rockhurst, Lewis, and Davenport. 

"Going back-to-back against a strong regional field says a lot about this group," said head coach Josh Edison. "Over the past nine months, I've seen the level of committment they've made, bith mentally and physically. They've bought into the process, and it is starting to show. At the same time, our mindset doesn't change. We'll enjoy this, then shift focus to what's next as we prepare for UIndy."

Up Next
The next event on the calendar for the men's team is the Ken Partridge Invitational, hosted by Indianapolis at Purgatory Golf Club, scheduled for April 5-7.