West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois men's golf team concluded their participation in the WIU Intercollegiate held in Silvis, Illinois. The team secured sixth place out of eight teams with a total score of 897 (+45). Notably, Luke Lofgren achieved a top-three finish, while Mateo Rascon ended in the top 25.

Lofgren's performance included overcoming early challenges with a bogey and double-bogey on the first two holes of round one. He then stabilized his game with five pars on the front nine and finished the round shooting 77 (+6). In round two, Lofgren improved significantly by birdieing holes four and 13, finishing at 69 (-2). His third-round performance saw him add two birdies and one bogey on the front nine for a score of 34 (-1), followed by three birdies on the back nine to end at 70 (-1).

Rascon began his tournament with a bogey but quickly responded with a birdie on hole two. He maintained consistency throughout, ending his first round at 76 (+5) and repeating this score in round two after recording additional birdies. In round three, Rascon made an impressive start with birdies on the first two holes and an eagle on hole ten, concluding his final round at 73 (+2).

Nathan Tillman demonstrated strong performances with consecutive birdies twice during his second round. Bayden Hubacher, Bennett Baker, and John Lishchynsky each scored a birdie in their third rounds. David Ayala had an exceptional back nine in his second round, scoring 34 (-1), while Baptiste Labeyrie added two birdies during the tournament.

The team is set to travel to Elkhorn, Nebraska for their next competition at the Stampede at the Creek scheduled for April 8-9.

Final Scores:

- Luke Lofgren: T3 (+3)

- Mateo Rascon: T22 (+12)

- Nathan Tillman: T28 (+15)

- David Ayala: T28 (+15)

- Bayden Hubacher*: T40 (+24)

- Baptiste Labeyrie: 47th (+32)

- John Lishchynsky*: 48th (+39)

- Bennett Baker*: 49th (+48)

*Shot individually