Golfers Three Shots Off Lead at BIG EAST/MAC Challenge

Van Sickle paces team with eighth place standing

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WINTER GARDEN, Fla. ? Thanks to a solid second round, the Marquette men's golf team improved from fourth to second following the first 36 holes at the inaugural BIG EAST/MAC Challenge, played at the Orange County National Golf Center in Winter Garden, Fla.

USF took the first round lead with a score of 275, owning an eight stroke lead over Akron. Marquette was in fourth with a 291, but a tournament best round of 285 shot the Golden Eagles up two spots and into second place. USF retained the lead, but only held a three stroke advantage over Marquette. Ohio was three shots behind Marquette in third. Marquette was the most accurate team in the field in the first 36 holes, carding a tournament best 119 pars.

Villanova's Steve Arnold and USF Justin Fetcho shared the first round lead among individuals with 67. In all, six golfers shot under 70 in the first round. Marquette's best first-round performer was freshman Mike Van Sickle, who was in a tie for eighth with 71.

Northern Illinois Zach Jecklin bolted past Arnold and Fetcho to take the second-round lead at the end of the day. In contention after a first-round 69, Jecklin shot a second-round 70 to take a one-stroke lead in the individual competition over Ohio's Mark Cimarolli and St. John's Keegan Bradley.

Van Sickle remained in contention with a second-round 72 and stayed in a tie for eighth at 143. He carded a pair of eagles in the first two rounds of the event.

Senior Joe Weber shot a second-round 69 and rebounded from a first round 76 to sit in a tie for 13th at 145 following two rounds. Senior Nathan Colson was tied with Weber, also shooting 145.

Sophomore Ted Gray finished the day in 19th place after shooting a 145. Senior Kyle Murphy is in 34th place after carding a 150.

The entire MU team competed in the event, with the final the members of the roster competing as individuals. Sophomore Chris Streff finished tied for 40th at 151. Senior Steve Sass completed the 36 holes with a 159, finishing 59th. Senior Mark Eldridge carded a 160 and was in 60th place.

Play continues with the tournament's final round, starting at 7:30 a.m. EST.
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