Oct. 7, 2012

Final Results (PDF)

LEMONT, Ill. -- Nick Nelson closed with an even-par 72 Sunday to help lead Marquette to a five-shot victory at the John Dallio Memorial. The MU freshman tied for fifth place overall, one of four MU golfers to post top-20 finishes at the 15-team event, which began Saturday at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club.

"This win was a big step in the right direction," said third-year head coach Steve Bailey. "We came into the event focused on two goals, first was to be confident in our preparation, and two was mental toughness. We knew if we were mentally strong and battle through tough stretches, we would have a chance to win on Sunday. This team continues to embrace the importance of bringing positive energy everyday, and it's paying off."

Coming in with a team score of 905, it was Marquette's 11th win in program history and first team title since the Golden Eagles won the 2008 BIG EAST Men's Golf Championship. The lead changed hands throughout the two-day event between MU and runner-up and host DePaul (910), as well as third-place Northern Iowa (911).

Nelson tallied a 54-hole total of 225, just four strokes behind individual medalist Kyle Henning of Valparaiso. After carding scores of 79 and 74 to open the tournament, Nelson made a team-high four birdies during his third round. He was 2-under on the day through 15 holes and then gave two strokes back with back-to-back bogeys, but still managed to shoot MU's lowest round of the tourney.

Junior Corey Konieczki (T12) finished with a three-round total of 227. He shot a final-round 76 and was solid down the stretch, playing his final six holes at 1-under, including a birdie on the 578-yard, par-4 fourth hole.

Senior Ryan Prickette and freshman Pat Sanchez both finished tied for 15th one stroke behind Konieczki at 228 for the tournament. It was Prickette's best career finish. Freshman Zach Gaugert tied for 29th place.

"I'm thrilled," said Prickette, who will graduate from Marquette in December. "I'm just really proud of the young guys and excited for the future of the program and honored to be a part of it just before my time's up. We're getting better every tournament, not just with our games, but in our grit and determination and confidence."

The Golden Eagles will return to competition later this month at the Pinetree Intercollegiate, Oct. 22-23, in Kennesaw, Ga.

John Dallio Memorial
Ruffled Feathers Golf Club
Lemont, Ill.
Par 72

Marquette Individuals
T5. Nick Nelson - 225 (79-74-72)
T12. Corey Konieczki - 227 (76-75-76)
T15. Ryan Prickette - 228 (75-74-79)
T15. Pat Sanchez - 228 (76-76-76)
T29. Zach Gaugert - 232 (80-75-77)

Team Standings
1. Marquette - 905
2. DePaul - 910
3. Northern Iowa - 911
4. SIU Edwardsville - 912
5. Valparaiso - 914
6. Loyola Chicago - 308
7. Northern Illinois - 918
8. Oakland - 920
9. IUPUI - 929
10. Green Bay - 936
11. Columbia - 939
12. Evansville - 941
13. Eastern Illinois - 946
14. Western Illinois - 949
15. Chicago State - 1197