Sept. 28, 2009

By Dana Ingraham
www.SIUSalukis.com

LEMONT, Ill. - Southern Illinois University struggled to find its balance during the final round of 18 holes at the John Dallio Memorial Tournament on Monday.

SIU shot a 942 (320-302-320) to settle at the 13th spot. DePaul University earned first place honors with an 880 and the next closest team, University of Detroit Mercy, fell 18 strokes behind with a second-place 898.

The 50 mph winds and cool temperatures coinciding with a 7:15 a.m. tee time made Ruffled Feathers a very difficult course to play, but SIU found ways to adjust.

The senior tandem of Jordan Cox and Blake Driskell led the Saluki charge, each finishing with a 54-hole score of 231 (+15), putting them just outside the top-20 at the 22nd spot.

Jake Erickson tied for 40th out of the 87 individuals competing with a 236.

Head coach Leroy Newton is optimistic about the results of his team's second tournament of the year, especially considering that three of the five athletes that competed are new to the Division I level.

"I am not dissatisfied with our overall play at this tournament," Newton said. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to play everyone that we expected to and we didn't get off to a great start on the first day. As a team we did not play our best golf at the right time, but we were still able to produce some good scores that give us something to build off of."

Driskell also mentioned the continued development of the team's experience as a whole and the role it will play in the future.

"Last year at this time, most everyone on the roster had been here for awhile and was already accustomed to how things are at this level," said Driskell. "We have guys now who are doing a good job transitioning and getting a feel for the game.

The Salukis will have another chance to gain experience when they travel to Murray, Ky. for the Murray State Invitational Oct. 5 and 6.

John Dallio Memorial Final Results